Elgin is being asked to help guide the future of one of its most cherished places as the next phase of planning begins for Cooper Park.
The Elgin Neighbourhood Board, working with Moray Council, is inviting residents to share their views and set out their hopes for the park as an updated Masterplan begins to take shape.
Two public drop in sessions will be held at the Cooper Park Pavilion later this month, offering a chance for people to look at the emerging ideas and add their own.
The sessions will run on Friday twenty eight November from one until four and on Saturday twenty nine November from ten until one.
Both are open to anyone who cares about the park and wants to help shape its future direction.
The new engagement follows the appointment of MBLA Design as the lead design team tasked with developing the next stage of the Masterplan.
Earlier parts of the plan have already begun to move forward with support from the Levelling Up Fund.
Work to improve walking routes is due to start in the coming weeks, marking the first visible sign of the wider plans that have been discussed over recent years.
Restoration of the pond and the transformation of the toilet block into a café and Changing Places facility are expected to begin in early twenty twenty six.
This next stage is being described as a chance to bring the community back into the heart of the conversation before a full draft of the Masterplan is written.
Although earlier consultations have shaped the initial foundations, organisers say this round of engagement will help ensure that the ideas still reflect the needs and wishes of local people.
Those unable to attend the drop in events will be able to submit feedback online through the Moray Engage platform, ensuring that every voice has the chance to be heard.
Alongside the public sessions, a dedicated workshop will be held on the Friday morning for invited park user groups who regularly make use of the space.
The aim is to gather the detailed experience of those who know the park best and understand how its paths, gardens, play areas and open spaces are used day to day.
Jenny Urquhart, Chair of the Elgin Neighbourhood Board, said that the community has a central role in shaping what comes next.
She said:
“Cooper Park is a much loved space at the heart of Elgin and we want to make sure any future plans reflect what matters most to the people who use it.”
She said the drop in sessions are a chance for residents to step forward and make their voices count.
“These sessions are a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and help shape the park for generations to come,” she said.
She added that progress is already visible and that momentum now needs to carry through the next phase.
“As we begin to see initial work starting on areas of the park, the Elgin Neighbourhood Board is picking up the baton to keep the momentum going, but we need your help,” she said.
“Join us to share your views and help make Cooper Park the ultimate destination park in Moray.”
For Elgin, Cooper Park has always been more than a green space, and this next round of engagement is an invitation to imagine what it could become in the years ahead.
