Aberdeen City Council has announced that work has begun on the development of a new £1 million playpark at Hazlehead Park, designed to cater for all ages of youngsters.

There will be new structures located at the site of the current playpark, which will comprise of works to the surrounding areas including improvements to drainage, and all going well with weather and any site issues, is expected to open in time for the summer holidays.

Councillor Miranda Radley, the Convener of Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, Aberdeen City Council, said: "The playpark holds many fond memories for a great many people, and today sees the next step in developing its new £1million replacement which will create memories of its own for future generations.

"Play helps children and young people keep active, stay well, and have fun and through this significant investment we will have a new playpark that will be for all ages of youngsters."

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.

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

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.

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.

Initial designs were drawn up by the contractor and consultations have taken place with local schools and community groups, and the general public.

The installation is being undertaken by HAGS, a company which has been designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing commercial recreational equipment for over 75 years. As an integral part of the global leader PlayPower Inc, the business supplies play, sports and fitness, park and urban, marine and shade equipment around the world.