Blueprints to transform a key asset in the Howard Park could make the green space safer again, a new report has claimed.
Proposals to breathe life into the Kilmarnock park could see the abandoned bowling green turned into tennis courts and a racket facility.
The park and the nearby town centre have been dogged by anti-social behaviour in recent months and years.
Now the bosses behind the bid to revamp one of the park’s gems say the plans will make the area vibrant.
Kilmarnock Tennis Club is behind the ambitious renovation project with blueprints showing two tennis courts, a mini/pickle court and a paddle court.
The facility will be surrounded by 3m high fences and overlooked by nine LED floodlights that’ll be 8m high.
Paddle is described as the fastest growing sport in the world with the club keen to get school kids along to try the game.
Pickleball is a short format racket sport that is hugely popular in the USA and now emerging in the UK.
A report submitted to East Ayrshire Council states that there are few facilities available and it is often played on badminton courts. If built,this will be one of only a handful of courts available in Scotland.
The report states: “It will enhance the existing sports facilities and make the park a more vibrant and safer place which will in turn encourage greater use of the park.”
The disused bowling club site is currently the subject of a community asset transfer from Kilmarnock Tennis Club who want the ground as they can no longer meet demand from their London Road premises.
The report adds: “The club has grown steadily over the last few years with an increase of 140 members to 270 members across four courts and can no longer meet the demand for tennis. The new additional facility will be available to members and non-members on a low cost pay and play basis.”
Applicants say that neighbours “will not be negatively impacted by this proposal”. in this area.
East Ayrshire Council planners will rule on the plans at a future date.
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