Club statement on improvements to Ham Park

Over the past two years Pentland United have embarked on several improvements aimed at making Ham Park a more versatile and attractive facility for community usage.

United Chair Terry Mackay: “The pandemic has taught us the value of outdoor facilities and maximising their potential it is particularly important to us at Pentland United as we firmly recognise our role as a community club. It also should be emphasised that these projects are not an end point; they are just the first phase of creating a community area with even greater functionality. Maximising the usage of the ground and surrounding area is a cornerstone principle of the club, making it inclusive for all and not just to be seen as a football park.”

The first phase of the developments at Ham Park has seen several projects delivered successfully with the aid of local businesses, volunteers, committee members and grant providers. Whilst the club has delivered these improvements very much as a team, the efforts of club secretary William Davidson cannot be overstated. He spent many many hours scouring the markets for the optimum solutions for the club.

Renewal of the spectator barrier

The first project undertaken, and the top priority, was replacing the wooden supporting posts that had served the club so well since the 1980s but had succumbed to the environment, becoming rotten and dilapidated. Given that the health and safety of all users of Ham Park is the number one priority for the club, removal of the existing barrier and providing a new, modern replacement was identified as paramount.

However, it was also recognised that building in the flexibility to remove certain sections, mainly to support alternative events in the grounds such as the Tunes by the Dunes festival, should also be considered in order to retain the ability for the facility to be agile in meeting the different needs of potential users. The club was very grateful to Tesco Bags for Help for its grant donation which assisted the club in funding this project.

In addition, the club would like to thank the club’s main sponsor Blargoans Ltd for assisting in the logistics and purchasing of the materials. The club would also like to thank Gordon Robertson Plant Hire and Barrock Quarry, R & A Mackintosh and Steven Nicolson for their roles in the installation process. See photos below.

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