Have your say - dynamic 'Maze Park' for Ayr Esplanade

Issued 23 March 2026

South Ayrshire Council is looking for public views on a proposal to enhance Ayr's much‑loved shorefront with the creation of a new and innovative Maze Park.

The project aims to introduce a fresh, imaginative play experience for families, complementing the already popular pavilion play area.

The proposed location for the Maze Park is the former putting green on Ayr Esplanade which has been unused for over a decade.

Positioned close to the existing play area and the Place St Germain bandstand, the development would create a cluster of three family‑friendly mazes within easy reach of one another.

There would be a plant‑based labyrinth for pre‑5s, featuring textured pathways and colourful planting to encourage sensory exploration and early learning.

A large wooden maze, built with varying wall heights from 1.2m - 1.5m to create a sense of adventure while remaining accessible. An external viewing platform will allow visitors to watch friends and family navigate the maze.

A Minecraft‑inspired maze, which would use recycled materials such as plastics, stone, and wood topped with low-maintenance planting to create habitats for wildlife.

Beyond the mazes, the park would have a range of features which would double as informal seating or imaginative play spaces. The area would be contoured to provide variation in levels and encourage natural play.

Kenny Dalrymple, Assistant Director Housing & Operations for South Ayrshire Council said: "We're excited to bring forward a project that could reimagine an underused space, transforming it into something truly amazing for families.

"The Maze Park would offer a fresh, creative play experience that encourages exploration, problem‑solving, and imagination. We believe this will be a fantastic addition to Ayr's shorefront and a place the whole community can enjoy.

"The maze park would cost us approximately £300k from the Ayr West Town Centre Capital Fund with an additional £100k coming from a Scottish Government initiative to boost play in local communities.

"The putting green is part of Ayr Common Good, so we want public views on this possible change of use."

A public drop-in session will take place at the Cutty Sark Centre on Ayr High Street on Tuesday 21 April from 2pm-7:30pm. This will give you the opportunity to see the designs and comment on them.

You can also view the designs and leave your comments at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations

The consultation will close on Monday 18 May.