A Kilwinning park had one of its most successful festive seasons following a major overhaul of its facilities.

Work on the revamp at McGavin Park started more than a year ago and the upcoming completion of the final phase is expected to attract further interest from the community.

Councillor Donald Reid, chairman of Kilwinning Community Events, was encouraged by the bustling activity at the park during the first weekend of 2024.

He said: “From Friday to Sunday just after New Year, we were in the park because the weather was dry and, in comparison with three years ago, the park was mobbed with people using the gym equipment, play equipment, walking and kids learning how to ride bikes.

"It was great to see it and that was the whole purpose of the project: to bring families together in a space where adults can be in the gym and kids on the play equipment and vice versa without any problems.

"The park is a lot busier generally and if you give people good facilities they come and use it. 

"People don't have the money to go the gym at the moment in a lot of ways but at least they are out exercising and using the equipment and enjoying it. 

"The crazy golf should also be popular when it is introduced."

A memorial Christmas tree was also put up in the park over the festive season, allowing people to leave messages for loved ones.

Kilwinning Community Events started work in McGavin Park just over three years ago to get more people to use the park.

New play equipment, outdoor gym, goal posts and simple things such as opening the toilets over the summer months have seen a big increase in numbers.

As a result, more benches and bins were needed to accommodate the number of visitors. 

The last part of the work is nearing completion, with the crazy golf area being refurbished and hopefully in full use later this year.