Aberdeen City Council

11/06/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2023 05:20

New £1million playpark for Hazlehead

A new £1million playpark which will be designed to cater for all ages of youngsters is to be built in Hazlehead Park.

The massive new structure will be located at the site of the current playpark and will include works to the surrounding areas including drainage.

Councillor Miranda Radley, convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, said: "We are delighted that one of our biggest parks in the city is to have a new playpark.

"I'm sure local children in Hazlehead as well as those from around the city who come to visit one of our most-loved parks will enjoy the new playpark."

Project support comes from a Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities £50million fund for the refurbishment of children's play parks.

Outline designs have been drawn up by a contractor and a public consultation will be used to fine tune these.

The new playpark will include:

  • A design phased with age bands, with equipment for younger people to older ones;
  • There is a large unit for inclusivity and ensuring all can play within the park;
  • Large tower units which will bring a wow factor into the park;
  • A purpose-made trail through the wooded section to give a different dynamic of play;
  • Fixed formal play elements, interactive panels, and roleplay play options.

Beyond the play equipment, improvements will be made to drainage to the site and there will be new seating, picnic benches and bins, new landscaping, new safety surfacing and grass zones.

Consultations will take place with local schools and community groups, and a public consultation also opens today for the designs. The public consultation is available online.

The new playpark in Hazlehead Park will join the excellent range of exciting family-friendly facilities include a café, maze, Pets' Corner and year-round events such as Aberdeen Highland Games. Hazlehead Park, which is the largest park in Aberdeen at 180 hectares and is one of the oldest and most historical properties in the city through King of Scots Robert The Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots, is also a Red Squirrel Conservation Area.

Aberdeen City Council has been replacing or refurbishing playparks around the city for several years.