The very popular Play Park at Hartree Mill has been redesigned, enlarged and re-sited as part of the clubhouse alterations and expansion.
The original Play Park was built in memory of Julie Barr who tragically passed away just 4 years of age. Julie was a regular at the club and played around the facilities and pitches. The Barr family held a tribute night in Julie's memory and funds raised paid for the Park's original construction and funds for brain tumour research. The Park has been a massive part of the Hartree Mill facilities ever since and always attracts a crowd of youngsters on match days as well as during holidays and weekends.
When the new extensions were designed the Play Park was always to the fore in the plans and the completed park remains a major feature for all to enjoy.
The following is the official Press Release which highlights the funding support the club has received for the park
Biggar Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce the official opening of the new children’s Play Park at Hartree Mill Sports Ground. The construction of the original Play Park was funded by the Barr family who live locally and have close ties to Biggar RFC through playing and coaching at the club since the 1980’s. It was built in commemoration of their daughter, Julie Barr, who sadly died in 1998 aged just 4. The original Play Park was situated next to the main club house building and it was extremely popular with children of all ages, particularly on game and training days. However when Biggar RFC recently embarked on a significant clubhouse extension project, an opportunity presented itself to relocate, expand and enhance the Play Park facilities.
Funding for the Play Park expansion project was sought via a grant application to the Glenkerie Wind Farm Fund which is operated by the wind farm’s owner Nadara and administered by Foundation Scotland. A grant to the value of approximately £10,000 was awarded to the rugby club by the fund and a further £5,000 donation was kindly made by the Bell family who are long standing supporters and sponsors of Biggar RFC.
The Play Park design, construction and installation was led by the Biggar Rugby Club committee in consultation with club members and the Barr family. The original Play Park equipment was restored and relocated within an enlarged fenced area. New equipment was constructed and installed to cater for a wider range of ages and abilities.
Committee member Angus Thomson said , “we are extremely grateful for the support given to this project by Nadara and Foundation Scotland, and the family of the late John Bell. The funding awarded by the Glenkerie Wind Farm Fund and the Bell family allowed us to maximise the potential of the space available which has resulted in a new Play Park facility which not only provides more space for play, but also caters for a wider range of ages and abilities. We are also extremely grateful to all those who volunteered to help build and install the new Play Park facility.”
When visiting the completed Play Park Ian Barr, the play park’s originator, said “the new Play Park is a fantastic asset for Biggar Rugby Club and the wider Biggar community. Biggar Rugby Club has grown significantly since the original Play Park was built and therefore an expansion of the Play Park was definitely needed. The new Play Park is already a big hit with families, particularly on game and training days, and I am delighted that it will continue to bear Julie’s name.”
Biggar Rugby club welcomes all club members and the wider community to visit and enjoy the new play park facility.
