Restoration of Westhill’s Denman Park
A revitalised Denman Park was officially unveiled to the public last month following a £240,000 enhancement project funded by the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme.
Aberdeenshire Council and the Westhill & Elrick Community Council collaborated on the project to deliver the improvements aimed at creating a more accessible and appealing community space for residents of all ages and abilities.
The improvements focused on enhancing connectivity between the town centre, residential areas, and the retail and business parks south of the A944. This has been achieved through the creation of new and upgraded paths, the installation of footbridges, and the addition of new rest areas, all designed to encourage walking and cycling.
A key feature of the project is the introduction of two trishaws for the Cycling Without Age initiative. Operated by local volunteers, these enable residents with mobility difficulties to enjoy the improved connectivity of the scenic park environment.
Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Cllr Alan Turner said: “The transformation of Denman Park is more than just new paths and bridges—it's a vibrant community space where it’s easier for people of all ages to choose healthier travel options and enjoy the outdoors.
“Thank you to everyone who has had a hand in these improvements, from our staff to the volunteers, to the Place Based Investment Programme for the funding. It’s come together nicely to reinvigorate this popular space for the Westhill community.”
The improvements were officially unveiled to the community at the opening event on Saturday 31 May 2025 in the park’s pavilion.
Other works, which took place last year, included efforts to restore and improve the popular ponds within Denman Park with the installation of a downstream defender, further enhancing the area as a haven for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for visitors.
The three ponds are visited by ducks, herons, and many small birds while also providing a habitat for freshwater hoglouse, pond skaters, water boatmen, diving beetles, minnows, pond snails, newts, caddisfly larvae, freshwater shrimp, and frogs.
The downstream defender removes litter, road debris, and other solids that would otherwise reach the ponds via local water drains.
Aberdeenshire Council secured Scottish Government Nature Restoration Funds to help move the project forward to return the ponds to a healthy state.