A SALTCOATS play park has become the talk of America - for two people at least.

The park, which was refurbished by the volunteer group Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Team (SALT) last year, has been hugely popular with youngsters in the Three Towns since its redevelopment.

Work is continuing on the park on a regular basis, with the latest edition being new "music play boards" - allowing for fun and interactive play.

And members of the group themselves, after consultation with Streetscene, have done some painting of the ground in bright colours to make sure the park continues to look prestine.

But they haven't stopped there - and in the latest development, a sculpture has now been commissioned in memory of late community champion and Three Towns locality worker Shirley Morgan, who died in May 2022.

All the new features at the park were funded by donations from the public and local businesses, with the group thanking all those who have contributed so far.

Meanwhile, group chair Donna McGregor was amazed when a lady from the United States walked into her workplace last week and handed her a £100 donation.

And believe it or not - it's not the first time a donation has been given to the project from the other side of the pond.

Donna explained: “We have had an amazing donation of £1,000 from Sanchia Saglimbene.

"Sanchia wanted to make this donation in memory off her mum, 'Wee Gina', who sadly passed away last year. 

"Although Sanchia lives in America, she still misses the smell of the 'salt air' and her fondest memories are of her home town Saltcoats, where she and her 'mom' used to sit at the beach, watching the waves and looking over to Arran.

"A sea themed 'making memories' board was put up at Winton Circus Playpark in honour of Gina Vassallo, which we think is a fitting legacy for both Sanchia's 'mom' and SALT.

"Thank you so much Sanchia - your 'wee mom' would be so proud of this incredible gesture.”

Councillor Jean McClung, who has supported the SALT group since its inception, said she was delighted to see this continued improvement of the park.

She said: “Once again I would like to give my sincere thanks to the SALT activists, local businesses and members of the public whose efforts and generosity have helped transform this area of our town."