Elgin man raising funds to improve facilities at Thornhill playing fields
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AN ELGIN man is hoping to raise funds to improve the facilities at the town's Thornhill playing fields.
Wayne Grant is initially aiming to raise £2000 to fund two sets of five-a-side football nets – with Moray Council having agreed to mark out the pitches, as well as a rounders area.
Mr Grant has been encouraged by the response to his project – with more than £500 donated to his GoFundMe page within the first 24 hours.
He said: "I set a target of £2000 as I wasn’t sure what sort of interest I would get but I hit more than a quarter of that in a day, which is absolutely brilliant.
"I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people in the community. I really want to make sure I get good quality goals that will last as they are going to be out in all weather.
"My wife and I have lived in the Grange development for more than 12 years. We were told when we bought our first house here that Barratt were going to put a play park in the estate but they never did put anything substantial in, considering the amount of houses that were built.
"The nearest play park is at Glass Green, which the kids have to cross a very busy main road to get to.
"With being in lockdown and kids not being able to do much we were just out walking every day and walking past the field I thought it’s such a waste of area which could be great for kids to play.
"I enquired about the possibility of getting a play park but I know this would require a significant amount of funding – so I thought of some other ideas that might not cost a lot and can be done fairly quickly.
"That's how I came up with the idea of getting two five-a-side pitches marked out as the only outlay would be for the goals.
"I'm hoping this is something the local community can get behind. I have had a lot of positive feedback so far."
Moray Council have given their backing to the project. A spokesperson said: “Moray Council is keen to support community groups encouraging the use of our open spaces and the Thornhill pitches are a great example of a community facility in New Elgin that would benefit from more use.
"We are in the process of assisting Mr Grant by marking out two five-a-side pitches in the Thornhill playing field area.
"The new rounders pitch will also make a great addition for young people in the area to make the most of without having to book.
"We look forward to continuing to empower communities to undertake projects like this across Moray.”
As well as working with the council, Mr Grant has involved Active Schools – with Active School's Craig Rowley looking to get local schools involved.
Mr Grant is welcoming further suggestions, and added that a running track around the field and picnic benches have been mentioned since he made the GoFundMe page.
To donate and to read more about the project, visit www.gofundme.com/f/improving-thornhill-football-pitches.
