Aberdeen City Council is set to progress a new Hazlehead Park playpark development following the approval of almost £1 million funding.

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

The project funds include £900,000 from a Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities £50million fund for local authorities for the refurbishment of children's play parks and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council funding. The City Council has been replacing or refurbishing playparks around the city for several years.

The City Council's Finance and Resources Committee today (22 November 2023) approved the funds as part of an overall spend on playpark replacements or renewals.

Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: "I am pleased the plans for Hazlehead playpark are moving forward with the funding received from the Scottish Government.

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"The park is popular with families and young people which I am sure will only continue following this investment."

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.

Initial designs have been drawn up by the contractor and these may be tweaked after a public consultation however the main design will remain. Consultations will take place with local schools and community groups, and a public consultation is available at Hazlehead Play Park 2023 - Aberdeen City Council - Citizen Space.

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.