Formal Board Paper 1 Annex 1.17 - Play, recreation and sport

This document contains an evidence report from March 2026, called "Schedule 17: Play, recreation and sport," for the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan. It provides baseline information and assessments of play, recreation, and sport facilities within the Cairngorms National Park. The report shows 39 formal play spaces, with 59% rated as good quality; however, only 46% of homes are within a five-minute walk of a formal play space, indicating a need for more. There is an abundance of accessible open spaces, with 99% of the National Park's land and water available for recreation, comprising 1,112 hectares of open space and 6,022 hectares of woodland. The audit also identifies 118 sports facilities, with the largest settlements having more diverse options, though some rural areas lack dedicated facilities. Stakeholder feedback emphasized the need for diverse, safe, and accessible facilities to support community wellbeing and attract young families. The Cairngorms National Park Authority considers the evidence sufficient for the Proposed Plan, which will align with the National Park's aims and national planning frameworks, ensuring sites for play and recreation are identified and blue and green infrastructure is enhanced. While most parties agreed with the evidence, Invercauld Estate raised a point about the limited reference to country sports, which the Park Authority clarified are addressed in other relevant schedules.