Permanent orienteering courses have been installed at Dumfries’ flagship Castledykes Park – thanks to the town’s People’s Project.
Pupils from Georgetown, St Michael’s and St Andrew’s RC primary schools, St Andrew’s Nursery, and St Joseph’s College were the first to try it out.
The People’s Project volunteers worked with Solway Orienteers, Active Schools, St Joseph’s College PE department, Signcraft, Dumfries and Galloway Council and HM Prison Dumfries to create the extra attractions which were requested by local schools in a public survey conducted by the charity to see what amenities the park could add.
Anne Simpson said: “We realise the importance of getting young people to enjoy the outdoors, for their mental health and well-being. This has been an excellent collaborative project and we hope the orienteering courses are used and enjoyed by many people in beautiful Castledykes Park.
“Although orienteering is no longer compulsory on the curriculum, some schools try to provide opportunities for their pupils. Permanent orienteering courses will save time and enable teachers to encourage orienteering at their schools.
“There are two courses, the junior course has eight control posts, with orienteering symbols and graphics of wildlife that is found in the park. This course is suitable for pre-school and lower primary pupils. The senior course has 11 control posts and is suitable for upper primary and secondary pupils.
“Our hope is to make the general public and other organisations aware of the courses.
“We have installed two maps with QR codes in the shelter so the maps can be downloaded on to mobile phones. This will enable as many people as possible to participate and enjoy them.
“We are very grateful to everyone who helped and to Tesco Extra for providing water and healthy snacks for the children at the launch day.”
Anne said initial attempts to get funding failed and they had to “hatch a plan” working collaboratively with Solway Orienteers, Active Schools and the PE department of St Joseph’s College, to make it happen.
Dumfries and Galloway Council provided the wood and paint for the posts and installed them, after they were assembled by HM Prison Dumfries, with Signcraft creating graphics for them and the maps.
Lorna Read, pastoral care principal teacher at St Joseph’s College, said: “We wish to thank The People’s Project and Solway Orienteers for their help in making the two permanent courses in Dumfries a reality. We hope to integrate orienteering into our school curriculum.
“The cost of hiring buses is ever increasing therefore we are delighted to have this resource on our doorstep.
“The permanent shelter is fabulous in leading groups from a central location.
“These courses will enable people of all ages to enjoy Castledykes Park. It will promote health and wellbeing and enable people to connect with nature.”
“Solway Orienteers are delighted to be involved with introducing more people to the pleasures and challenges of orienteering in these lovely surroundings.”
