Playground Survey 2025

What you told us

We asked for feedback on playparks across Aberdeenshire. The purpose of this exercise was to understand how you feel about your local playground and what changes, if any, you would like to see. We received 837 responses in total (equivalent survey 3 years ago received 479 responses).

Responses by area were:

• Banff and Buchan: 44
• Buchan: 76
• Formartine: 127
• Garioch: 208
• Kincardine & Mearns: 285
• Marr: 97

Key findings from the survey include:

49% of respondents preferred that play park management remains unchanged, with parks being improved as budget permits. The next most popular option, chosen by 41%, was for local communities to become more involved.

61% felt existing playparks didn’t cater enough for children of all abilities and the same percentage wanted more use of natural play equipment.

A small majority (53%) wanted more seating in play parks but most (63%) felt that they were secure with adequate fencing provided where appropriate.

A small majority (52%) of respondents indicated that there was not enough provision for adult outdoor exercise, including trim trails.

What we're doing

We undertake regular safety inspections on all our play equipment, which allows us to prioritise how we allocate our resources. When we have available resources to replace or improve play park infrastructure, we will engage with communities using Engage Aberdeenshire, our online engagement platform and listen to requests from the community. We encourage and value community feedback.

As we review and improve our play equipment, we have increased the number of inclusive play equipment across Aberdeenshire in recent years. We will continue to review our infrastructure where resources allow.

Unfortunately, in some locations seating has been removed due to antisocial behaviour. The seating attracted groups of non-playpark users as an area to gather. Relocation to another area within the park means that the play area is safer for children to use. We will continue to review the situation in affected areas.

We are keen to support outdoor exercise and, where resources permit, we may consider the installation of trim trails. As with any community request for additional play equipment, we are available to assist communities in seeking funding not available to the council for the creation of these areas. For further discussion, please contact us by emailing: operations@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Your email will be forwarded to the Landscape Services Officer for your area.

You can view the original project here: Playground Survey 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire