New state-of-the-art ‘Sea Monster Park’ set to open on Ayrshire coast next year

The project is being backed with £9 million from the Scottish Government.

The name for Irvine’s state-of-the-art new playpark was announced at a special event held at the Harbourside.

After consultation with local young people across Irvine’s schools, the name ‘Sea Monster Park’ was chosen.

Greenwood Academy pupil Lewis Templeton came up with it and his prize was a certificate and voucher from Vanilla Joes.

The local business also designed a special ‘Sea Monster’ ice-cream to commemorate the new name which was served up at the event, held in the Harbour Arts Centre.

The Sea Monster Park is part of the Great Harbour plans for Irvine’s Harbourside area and is expected to open next year.

The £14 million Ayrshire Growth Deal investment in the area kicked off earlier this year with the first phase – which includes the Sea Monster Park – underway. The project is being supported with £9 million from the Scottish Government.

The ‘Great Harbour’ is a key component of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal and one of the most ambitious and transformational regeneration tourism proposals for the region.

Local people, and particularly young people, have been involved extensively in the plans for the area. Views were gathered via online surveys and during public events and displays. In addition, design workshops with local youth groups and primary schools, and also a design competition for secondary schools were carried out.

Young people were also asked to come up with an appropriate name for the playpark. An online survey was distributed to local schools as well as youth groups. In addition, ASN Support Ayrshire, Legacy Centre and Woodlands Early Years also took part. A judging panel then reviewed the 95 submissions received, with the top three going into a shortlist.

After much deliberation, the name Sea Monster Park was chosen ahead of Nautical Nook and Dragon Park.

Lewis picked up his certificate and prize from Vanilla Joes, while other shortlisted pupils were also in attendance.

Ayrshire has its fair share of sea monster legends, including the Cirein-cròin, a large sea monster said to eat whales.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy welcomed the school challenge and says the attraction is starting to take shape.

He said: “We are very excited to be formally naming our new playpark – the Sea Monster Park.

“The development at the Harbourside is marine based with a clear focus on our water spaces and the name for the park should represent that – with a fun, mystical and playful element to it!

“ A huge well done to Lewis on coming up with the winning name and a huge thanks to everyone for taking part. The plans for the Sea Monster Park are very exciting and construction of the play park has been ongoing for a number of months and it is really starting to take shape.

“The Ayrshire Growth Deal is of huge significance to this region and we are delighted that things are moving forward. This time next year Sea Monster Park will be busy and full of children. It will be fantastic for the area.”

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