European Year of
Volunteering 2011
   
 

 

  
 

GAIN is a Registered
Charity SC029574

  
     
 

"Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings"

  
 

Hodding Carter

  
 

 
Eoropie Dunes Park offers a wide range of fun-filled and educational play facilities for children of all ages - as well as an enjoyable day out for the adults and guardians who may accompany them.
 

 

 
Set in 4 acres of natural machair (grassland) and sand dunes on the edge of the village of Eoropie in the far north of the Isle of Lewis and a few short yards from the beautiful sandy beach of Traigh Shanndaigh, our park has been designed to educate, stimulate and entertain youngsters from pre-school age to late teenage and beyond.
RIGHT: Aerial photo of the playpark site adjacent to the village of Eoropie

 
This award-winning play park complements its unique Hebridean environment.  Utilising high quality timber equipment sourced from sustainable managed forests, the built materials blend in seamlessly with the natural surroundings.  The wood used in the bridges and shelters was sourced locally.
 
The Park extend to a generous 4 acres of natural 'greenfield' ground that has a large number of features and games equipment carefully arranged on the site to offer young visitors an educational and stimulating experience designed to suit all ages.  Some of these can be viewed online through our Site Layout page.
 
Eoropie Dunes Park is a great meeting point for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; increasing social interaction and bridging the gap between different social groups and helping to reduce health inequalities in this remote, rural island community.  Within the park there are various interesting habitats, such as areas of flat grass-land,  sand dunes, slopes and two natural streams. The park is a wild-life haven for wildlife with a host of wild flowers, including orchids, forget-me-nots, marsh marigolds, etc, as well as being home to birds, rabbits, bees, butterflies and a wide variety of other insects.
 
Thousands of people use the facility each year, including old and young, families, those with additional educational needs, single parents and those with disabilities or mental or physical illness.  This community-led project provides the opportunity for all, but especially young people, to benefit from increased physical activity and thereby improving health and fitness. While having fun they also develop many skills and social contacts, leading to greater physical and mental well-being.  The 4 acre site encourages children to explore, run about, make noise and it gives them freedom to play with natural materials, such as water, sand, plants and stone. Importantly, it provides the opportunity for parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children in a free, safe, stimulating facility.  We also run regular environment workshops where children can learn about their local environment and flora and fauna.
 
The park is free and open all year round, providing opportunities for every age and ability to have fun and exercise safely while learning about the environment and appreciating the spectacular local landscape.