Community Sauna Highland proposes a sauna in Bellfield Park, Inverness, holding up to 26 people and enhancing the park.
Community Sauna Highland proposed this, wanting to build it in Bellfield Park. It could hold up to 26 people, and they have submitted a planning application.
The sauna would sit in the park’s corner east of the playground and south of the tennis courts. The plan shows two wooden huts enclosed by a tall fence and gate, with plunge pools planned inside.
Drawings show it fitting with the trees, with no trees needing to be cut down. A cherry tree already there would stay near the entrance.
The sauna group wrote supporting documents saying it would be a restful place. They expect it will be loved yearly and can transform the southeast corner.
Profits would help people access the sauna, as they want to build a diverse community. The sauna group hopes to improve the park, caring for the area, which might mean fixing the outdoor gym or supporting the public toilets.
The group hopes the community embraces the park, where people of all ages are welcome.
The sauna holds 26 people at most, but the group does not expect it to be full. It will offer rest and relaxation with a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Alcohol and music are not allowed, and screen use will be very limited. Respect for everyone is the goal.
They hope everyone uses the sauna, including adults and children. Insurance rules will define those parameters.
The group said respect for residents is crucial, as the park lies in a residential area. Activity will be peaceful and quiet there, with no music or loud events planned to protect the calm feeling.
Bellfield Park has tennis and kids playing; they think the sauna will not add noise. It should not disturb the current park uses.
The sauna hopes to open four days a week as the initial plan if approved. It would be 4 PM to 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays initially, with weekends expecting 8 AM to 10 PM hours.
If it finds success, they hope to expand to 8 AM to 10 PM, seven days weekly.