Work has begun on the multi-million pound regeneration of MacRosty Park in Crieff.
Contractor JKF Ltd, of Methil, has started on site. The construction aspect of the £1,847,000 project is due to be completed in December.
The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a grant of £1,161,500 to the regeneration plans, with additional funding coming from Perth and Kinross Council and partners including the Gannochy Trust, the Souter Trust, Crieff Rotary Club, the Ancaster Trust, Ardvreck School and many members of the public.
The former tennis pavilion will be refurbished and extended to become a multi-functional building providing a venue for community activities, with refreshments available.
New semi-automated toilets will be provided next to the pavilion, near the new play facilities and the water play area, which will bring the park to life again for children and families.
Improvements will be carried out on the park’s paths and bridges to ensure everyone can access the range of attractions it provides.
MacRosty’s historic features will be restored such as the Edwardian bandstand, to be available for summer concerts and water will be reintroduced to the medieval lade running through the park.
Notice boards will be kept updated with progress on the work.
The main car park entrance is closed and all vehicles should go in and out of the park through the exit only, in the interests of safety.
Monthly visits are planned, for the public to see the progress of the works.
The first of the visits was held for Friends of MacRosty Park members last week, and it is intended they will take place monthly, and be open to the general public.
The aim of the public visits is to keep residents informed and allow anyone who would like to see each stage of the works first hand to have a organised opportunity to do so.
Dates for the monthly visits and how to book a place on them will also be available on the park notice boards.
The council has appointed a new greenspace ranger for the park.
Susan Whyte will be working to engage with the community on the project and keep them informed about progress.
She will also be looking to develop ways to increase the number and range of visitors to the park and how often they visit.
For further information about the regeneration project and the monthly visits, contact Susan on 01764 657776 or visit the council website www.pkc.gov.uk.