The Proposal

Consider, consider, consider, discuss.
All improvements will be sympathetic and in character with the geography of the site and reflect the park's situation within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. These elements will be delivered using a phased approach.

Children’s Play

Children laughing, the excitement of a game.

Current position:
These consist a site with two sets of two swings. The other areas are 250 metres away and consist a climbing unit with shute suitable for children 4-8 years, two springy animals and a turnstile suitable for 3-6 years. Near to this is an old hexagonal frame with tyres and ladders. This may suit 7-10 years.

Issues raised:
The current play equipment is too far apart for ease of use. The age range provided for, as well as the range of equipment itself, is limited. There is almost nothing for the less able or the 10-14's and young adults to use.

Proposed solution:
The provision of a high quality play area is a major part of the planned development of Kirkgate Park. Two zones equipped for junior and senior play will be located in a relatively sheltered position at the west end of the park. New play equipment designed for inclusive and imaginative play will be installed and will be appropriate to the Nature Reserve location.

Remove Redundant Facilities

Make space for events which hold fun, grace or action

Current position:
The existing dilapidated seasonal recreational facilities consist of trampolines, crazy golf and a wooden bowling alley.

Issues raised:
The nature of these items entails staffing which allows them only limited availability throughout the year. Some of the items are over forty years old.

Proposed solution:
The plan is to provide replacement facilities in a variety of other ways that would be available everyday of the week, throughout the year. See under Willow Structure, Labyrinth, Amphitheatre, Footpaths, Children's Play, Beaches.

Watchtower

Science wins bodies from the ground when backs are turned.

Current position and issues raised:
The view of the Watchtower is hindered by overgrown planting. Its heritage value as a "Burke and Hare" watchtower is unexplored. When the Loch Leven Heritage Trail is built by TRACKS, the Watchtower will acquire an important position as a gateway to the path.

Proposed solution:
The heritage value at the east end of the park will be acknowledged by the removal of car parking and provision of a paved area around the Watchtower and burial ground entrance. The existing overgrown planting will be removed to open up the views towards Loch Leven Castle. Gated access will be provided at this point to link with the Loch Leven Heritage Trail currently under development by TRACKS.

Burial Ground

The ancestors still buried at the point.

Current position and Issues raised:
Access to the burial ground is difficult. Some of the best views are afforded from here and are currently underutilised.

Proposed solution:
Access will be improved to the burial ground. A flowering meadow will be established in the original part of the burial ground and a seat will be installed at the key viewpoint over the loch.

Eastern Boundary

A Castle, a graveyard, a Loch and it’s mystery

Current position:
The Eastern boundary is closed by vegetation and an ugly wire fence.

Issues raised:
The vegetation inhibits viewing Loch Leven Castle from the park. It also limits full viewing of Kirkgate Point which is home to large numbers of the pink footed-geese which visit the loch over the winter months.

Proposed solution:
A smart new estate-style fence will serve to open the view over the loch and towards the castle.

Crannog

Crannogs sit quietly above the loch, boats skim gingerly over the water.

Current position:
The remains of an iron-age crannog lie in the loch roughly 30 feet from the shore at the eastern end of the park and some 50 yards from an old stone and concrete jetty which was formerly used as a ferry terminal to Castle Island.

Issues raised:
The jetty is now disused and there is no interpretation of the crannog.

Proposed solution:
A 'crannog' style viewing platform with interpretation will be constructed at the end of the jetty. This will provide a vantage point which offers more views of Loch Leven Castle, Kirkgate Park, Loch Leven itself, the goose roost and the iron-age crannog remains situated close by.

Amphitheatre

Grandeur adjacent, a place to display.

Current position:
The park is generally level with the only significant change in level on the loch side of the South gate to Kinross House, where the ground falls between 3 to 4 metres.

Issues raised:
The position of the redundant seasonal facilities inhibits the full appreciation of the South gate to Kinross House. This, the only natural slope in the park, could be better utilised.

Proposed solution:
A stepped, open-air amphitheatre will be constructed with spoil won from other redevelopment work on the site and will frame the historic South gate. It is intended to provide an opportunity for play and outdoor events.

Labyrinth

A fusion of nature and structural spheres.

Current position:
There is a lack of play facilities in the park and little indication of the park’s nature reserve status.

Issues raised:
A major part of this project is to enhance the natural heritage status of the park whilst incorporating play and acknowledging its position beside the historic Kinross House and gardens.

Proposed solution:
A raised earthworks 'labyrinth' with mown grass valleys and meadow grass low mounds will be built. This will provide additional opportunities for play and wild flower planting will reflect its setting within a NNR. The centre of this feature will provide a site for a community artwork with both the labyrinth and artwork reflecting the proximity of the more formal Kinross House Gardens.

Jingle Dyke

Places for learning of nature and history

Current position:
Kirkgate Park has no explanation on site of its diverse history and uses.

Issues raised:
Historical facts about Kirkgate and its immediate environs are unexplained. These include geological formation, the presence of Iron-age habitation, important religious and royal events, the building of Kinross House and gardens, the lowering of the level of the loch amongst others.

Proposed solution:
A low natural stone wall will be built using locally reclaimed stone along a section of the former 'Jingle Dyke' field boundary. This will incorporate a timeline/geological interpretation.

Beaches

The shores of the loch heave with people on a summer afternoon

Current position:
The shore is mostly protected by reeds, grasses and willows. In places there is a stepped access to a gravel beach.

Issues raised:
Visitors to the park are unable to easily gain access to the water they therefore push through the vegetation causing disruption to the wildlife.

Proposed solution:
Three 'beach' areas will be formed along the shoreline these will encourage access to the water in specific areas, whilst offering additional play opportunities.

Sculpture

Its structure reflecting the rythmn of the land

Current position and Issues raised:
There is very little in the park which reflects the unique and irreplaceable natural heritage of the site being entered.

Proposed solution:
A sculpture reflecting the natural and heritage values of the site will be designed.

Living Willow Structures

The drape of the willow protection affords

Current position:
Willow stands are regenerating around the shore in the west end of the park.

Issues raised:
There is nothing which indicates the current importance of willow to wild life or how it was used historically by humans.

Proposed solution:
Living willow structures will be built by community groups providing opportunities for play and encounters with the natural environment.

Traffic Calming

What about traffic and walking and grass?

Current position;
The road through the park runs for the full length of the north boundary giving access to an extensive area of road side parking for 120 cars and to the historic burial ground and its associated Watchtower at the east end.

Issues raised:
The road has become a major feature of the park and intrudes on the natural environment of the site. In addition to this the road has attracted "boy racers" who are often seen driving at speed down its length.

Proposed solution:
After extensive consultation it was decided to limit general vehicular access and parking to the roadway west of the toilet block. This is in line with the responses received from over half the questionnaires received. A reduced number of parking spaces will still be available in the park. However, parking will be encouraged at the Fishing Pier, where improvements are imminent. Speed cushions are to be introduced to discourage the "boy racers".

Pedestrian Access Improvements

The dog and pushchair deflected, no space

Current position :
The main vehicular access into the park is through the 'double dykes'.

Issues raised:
The 'double dykes' is narrow and gives little concession to pedestrians. It is also difficult for two vehicles to pass safely.

Proposed solution:
For the 'double dykes' section of the access road, pedestrian safety will be improved by reducing the road width to a minimum, installing speed cushions and introducing a priority system. A 1.5 m mountable footpath will give some pedestrian vehicle separation.

Planting

Some places to shelter from wind when it's cold

Current position:
Shelter is provided from the north by the wooded policies of Kinross House. At the east end and around the South gate into Kinross House there is some ornamental planting. Some tree planting has been carried out in recent years.

Issues raised:
Much of the existing planting is considered over mature and inappropriate.

Proposed solution:
New planting will be in character with the NNR and will provide screening and shelter while still preserving the open nature of the park.

Biodiversity

The Park should say Nature Reserve to those who don't read

Current position:
Kirkgate Park is within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, which is a Site for Special Scientific Interest and is covered by an EC Ramsar. Apart from the wetland area north of the Clash Burn and the shoreline the park is primarily an expanse of flat, uniformly mown grass.

Issues raised:
Little has been enhanced which reflects the important Natural Heritage of the site and its environs. It is important that the Natural Heritage status is made apparent in visual ways which help the public decide to behave in an appropriate way.

Proposed solution:
Adaptations will be made to the maintenance regime of the park to help increase the habitat value. Wild flower meadows will be developed and the wetland area regenerated.

Furniture

Somewhere to savour fresh open space. Friends, families - a meeting place.

Current position:
Litterbins, seats, signage and fencing vary in age, quality, style and condition.

Issues raised:
There is no overall logic to their placement

Proposed solution:
Seats, picnic tables, litter bins, dog bins and cycle stands will be reused (where possible) and renewed to suit the proposed new layout.

Interpretation and Signage

Making sense of this unique, irreplaceable space

Current position:
There is no interpretation signage within the park and indicative signage follows no logical pattern.

Issues raised:
The park has the potential to inform visitors of several aspects of the area, including the National Nature Reserve, the work of SNH, the diverse habitats within the park, the castle and other heritage features.

Proposed solution:
A working group with representation from TRACKS, SNH, Historic Scotland, Kinross Estate Company, FoKP and PKC will ensure that shared signage is co-ordinated in style, content and location. Signage will include Welcome, Orientation and Interpretation.

Footpaths

All paths, swings and play things must reach with a chair.

Current position:
With the exception of a small length of brick paver path there are no other paths within the park.

Issues raised:
There is no dedicated pedestrian access around the park which can be safely used by the less able, wheelchairs, prams or bicycles. When the ground becomes wet certain areas become boggy and difficult to move over.

Proposed solution:
A network of informal paths will link all access points and provide a safe multi-user circular route. Sections of the path along the shore, which is part of the TRACKS Loch Leven Heritage Trail, will be slightly raised on an embankment where occasional flooding causes wet ground conditions.
The southern access to the park from the Fishing Pier will be upgraded and widened to reflect the anticipated increase in usage.

 Click here to see a breakdown of the project budget.