A Cumnock councillor has released plans on how he believes the town's Woodroad Park can be restored to its former glory as social hotspot.
Cllr Neill Watts has released a detailed presentation on how he can transform the park, including the addition of a visitor centre, sports courts and coffee shop.
The park was once a thriving area for people in Cumnock and the surrounding areas, with people spending entire summer holidays enjoying the park, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Watts wants to return the park to its former glories, and he believes the release of these plans is an important first step.
"The changes won't happen overnight and it could be a 5-10 year process," said Cllr Watts.
"However, releasing these plans is an important first step as it allows people to see what plans I have and they can see if there's anything they want to change about them.
"There is something in the plans to suit all ages, which I think is what will appeal to most people.
"I said before I was elected that restoring this park was something that I was extremely passionate about, so this action is being done".
Cllr Watts has invited elected members from Cumnock Community Council, Cumnock History Group, Cumnock Action Plan and Netherthird Community Council, as well as East Ayrshire Council, to have a walk around the park and have a discussion about the plans.
As part of the presentation of plans, Cllr Watts added: "Woodroad Park used to be the ‘hub’ of community events in Cumnock. Over the last 20 years this has been eroded and now the park, once a vibrant heart of the community, is rundown and unloved.
"My vision is to revitalise the park into a vibrant recreational facility for all the community, providing a community hub, visitor centre with coffee shop, toilets, sports areas, kids indoor soft play, picnic area and changing rooms.
"Woodroad Park has almost limitless potential to provide all year round local and visitor facilities, creating valuable employment and apprenticeship opportunities giving a major boost for all ages of the Cumnock community.
“My thanks to the Cumnock History Group, for all the help they gave me with access to old photos and news clippings of Woodroad Park, which allowed me to research how Woodroad used to be the hub of our community in years past.”
“Our challenge now begins, both financial and physical so that we can restore Woodroad Park as the hub of activity for our community once again.”
You can view the detailed plans for the park on Cllr Watts' website.
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