Parkrun at Lochshore Park, Kilbirnie

Project code: 1262

Amount applied for

£1,000

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Project Summary

We want to set up a weekly Parkrun at the Lochshore Park in Kilbirnie to help our community get active and connect with others. Parkrun is a safe, timed 5km walk, jog, or run that anyone can take part in. It’s volunteer‑led, welcoming, and completely free. Funding will help us cover essential start up costs so we can launch an event which lasts for the long term benefit of Garnock Valley.

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Project Description

Funding a Parkrun in Kilbirnie will provide a free, weekly, community opportunity to walk, jog or run, all year round. It is an inclusive, social and sustainable way to be active, connect with others and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our community. Anyone can take part, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level.   

Parkrun is an established, proven model which is simple, safe and sustainable. The social return on investment for Parkrun has been published as a return of £30 for every £1 invested. Kilbirnie's nearest parkruns are Eglinton in Kilwinning and Largs. Having one closer to home will make regular physical activity more accessible to our communities, particularly in Beith, Glengarnock, Kilbirnie and Dalry.

The funding we are applying for in this participatory budgeting process would go towards the one off £4,800 (inc. VAT) total start up cost to the Parkrun charity. The £1000 we are applying for will go towards an Automated External Defibrillator, event equipment and signage, volunteer training, IT and systems set up, alongside ongoing administrative, insurance, welfare and safeguarding support, and operational support from Parkrun. The set up costs then result in a self-sustaining volunteer led event, with permanent support from the Parkrun charity to the benefit of the communities of the Garnock Valley. 

Our Parkrun aligns with the Community Action theme of the participatory budgeting criteria as a community-led activity, run by volunteers, that improves wellbeing, reduces isolation and strengthens local connections. Parkrun is non-competitive and offers regular volunteering opportunities which build skills, purpose and pride from contributing to a positive and happy community event. 

A Parkrun in Kilbirnie will increase physical activity, reduce loneliness, and tackle the roots of some of the key inequalities experienced in the Garnock Valley. It will benefit a wide range of people, including families, older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing loneliness and those who are looking to maintain or improve their physical and mental health. Parkrun will strengthen the community asset of the brilliant Lochshore Park, and contribute to the North Ayrshire Council Plan's commitments to a wellbeing economy, with active, inclusive and resilient communities.

Parkrun is free, for everyone, forever. Let's bring it to Kilbirnie. 

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I confirm that I will provide any additional information requested to complete my application by the application deadline.

Yes

I confirm my understanding that if successful, I must submit my bank account information to North Ayrshire Council by the deadline requested.

Yes

Did you receive funding in the 2025 round of PB (Locality, Youth or CWB funds)?

No

If you were funded through PB last year, please confirm that you have submitted a monitoring update using this form before submitting your application: https://forms.office.com/e/RRkTgEWKPq

N/A

Location: Lochshore Park in Kilbirnie

Proposed on behalf of: Parkrun is a not for profit international organisation and registered UK charity (1175062)

• Community Action