THE much anticipated opening of Craigrownie Park in Cove is almost here after the community worked tirelessly to make it all come together.

The park, for the community by the community, has been an aim for two years, and the work and effort has finally paid off as the park will be ready and open for everyone to enjoy this Saturday, July 2 from 11am onwards.

The fun day will feature a bouncy castle, Kevin Walker Burgers, miniature ponies, hula hooping, races, tug of war and skating in the skate park.

The Royal Navy are set to attend with their bomb disposal and diving kit and the bar in the Cove and Kilcreggan Bowling Club will be open for refreshments so there is something for everyone.

Craigrownie Park team member, Veronica Ferguson, said: “We want people to come along and see the new exciting park. We decided against getting someone famous drafted in to open the park. Instead we would like the community at large to turn up and be part of this memorable day, so that the community opens this community park.”

The Advertiser previously reported that the project needed to raise a further £3,000 for turf in order to ensure the park would open for the summer holidays.

With the help of a local charity, the Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council and the generosity of the local people, the money was raised and the turf has been laid and is now getting time to bed down.

Veronica added: “The Craigrownie Park Group want to extend their thanks to everyone who has donated something, however small or large an amount towards building this park. It is testament to what a community can do.

“We hope to enjoy many happy hours in it and for the children to reflect on happy days playing in their park together.”

The company Allplay supported the park and bought and laid the turf before the group could pay for it, just so the park could be open for the summer holidays.

Veronica extended her thanks, adding: “The company have been very accommodating and helpful and laid the turf for us before guarantee of payment, trusting we would pay them when we could and for this we are all so grateful.”

There is still a small amount of cash needed to pay the VAT on the turf and the group are hoping to raise that at the opening celebrations if no other funding is found.

The skate park is set to officially open on the day as well.

Veronica added: “It is an exciting time. The skate park is already popular and provides a good place for the teenagers to meet, skate and cycle.

“This is due to the extraordinary efforts of Susie Will and her committee, and her youth worker John Agnew, who takes the sessions on Monday and Thursday nights.”

Everyone is encouraged to go along on the day and celebrate the culmination of effort, support and work of a local community coming together to produce something for everyone to enjoy.