A huge new £1million playpark which has been designed to cater for all ages of youngsters in Hazlehead Park is to open next week.
The massive new structure – which is the biggest playpark in the city and includes gigantic towers, a huge zip line, wheelchair-accessible trampolines, and many musical items along with old favourites like the old jeep and sand digger which have been retained – will be open to the public at 7am on Tuesday, July 23.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “For many people, Hazlehead is their favourite park in the city. It is an excellent location for the city's newest and largest playpark. This upgraded facility is high quality and inclusive. It will give an enormous amount of fun and friendship to all children and all abilities. It is a splendid addition to Hazlehead Park."
Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “We know people young and older have been watching the build take place of the new playpark and have been eagerly waiting for it to open – we’re looking forward to being able to open it next week so families will have lots of fun with it over the school summer holidays.”
4-year-old Sadie Sinclair with Grandad Rob and Mist the dog waiting for the big day
The new playpark includes:
- Equipment for younger children and older children as part of the design;
- A large wheelchair unit for inclusivity and ensuring all can play;
- Large towers which will bring a wow factor;
- A purpose-made trail through the wooded section to give a different dynamic of play;
- Fixed formal play elements, interactive panels, and role-play play options.
Beyond the play equipment, improvements have been made including new drainage to the site, new seating, picnic benches and bins, new landscaping, new safety surfacing, and grass zones.
Consultation with local schools and community groups along with a public consultation helped to fine tune the designs.
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.
The project funds come from a Scottish Government and COSLA £50million fund for funding to local authorities for the refurbishment of children’s playparks and come after Aberdeen City Council has been replacing or refurbishing playparks around the city for several years.