Bold Buckie football park sports hub plans launched
A community sports hub could be created if bold new plans come to fruition.
Merson Park in Buckie - which currently serves as home to Welfare League champions Buckie Rovers FC - could be transformed into a facility for use by all kinds of clubs and groups in the town and surrounding area.
A meeting on Tuesday, October 22 at Buckpool Golf, Sports and Social Club, led by Moray Council, brought together a number of interested sports organisations to discuss the future of the facility.
Those attending heard that in 2022 the fenced area of the park reverted back to the responsibility of the sport and culture service of the local authority following the cessation of a previous lease. However, the council does not have the resource or capacity to operate the park in the future and is keen to discuss the potential future of this asset with local organisations that may have an interest.
Council officers explained the background and current situation of the park, as well as the process that would have to be followed for any proposed leases.
A council spokesperson said: “Merson Park is a fantastic recreational facility for the local community, which has great potential.
“Council officers will work closely with any interested local sports organisation, guiding them through the process that would allow a lease to be agreed, following public consultation.”
One of those enthusiastic about the hub proposals was Buckie Rovers chairman Mike Coull. The club recently returned to the venue after dropping out of Junior football in 2020, re-entering the competitive fray in the Moray Welfare League and roaring back in dramatic style by claiming the Premier Division title, the Mike Simpson Memorial Trophy and the WJ Tewnion Memorial Trophy.
Mr Coull said: “From a Rovers point of view, we’d like to see Merson Park used by everybody as a sports hub.
“Merson Park isn’t just about Buckie Rovers; a hub for use by the wider community is a great idea but the most important task at the moment is to get other clubs - not just football clubs - in the area on board with the idea.
“There’s already a good mix of groups on board but we need to get this idea out there.
“The more groups and clubs we can get using Merson Park and the pavilion the bigger difference it’ll make, not just in terms of usage but also in attracting funding to upgrade the facilities.
“When you look at what’s been done with the pavilion in Elgin’s Cooper Park, for example, and the multiple events it supports, it shows you the sort of thing that can be achieved here.
“Merson Park and the pavilion has great potential, our priority at the moment has to be bringing it all together and getting people on board.”
Plans to create a hub at the park were warmly welcomed by local councillors Sonya Warren, Neil McLennan and John Stuart.
Councillor Warren hailed the progress made at the meeting, voicing her support for the hub initiative.
She continued: “Merson Park is a fantastic space with great opportunities for many sports.
“The council does not have the budget or resources to run it properly. They are supportive of the community going to take it on.
“The meeting was a good introduction to what opportunities are available for the community. Hopefully all the groups using the facility will be able to work together along with others to deliver a fabulous sports area which will allow various groups the ability to use the park.
“We have seen the likes of the Gleaner Arena created in Elgin, the success it has been and what it has brought to the wider community. This is our opportunity to create something similar here in Buckie.
“A sports hub is, simply put, a great way forward. It could attract so many different types of funding if different groups get involved, and we’re not just talking about football clubs, either.”
Councillor McLennan said that groups uniting behind the project could “really drive something special”.
He continued: "It was great to see interested parties attend the meeting about the future of Merson Park.
“There is clearly interest in this outstanding community asset. We are lucky to have such a space for the people of Buckie and it is clear that many want to ensure people get good use out of the space.
“I am hopeful groups will come together and form up to ensure this space is well utilised and enjoyed for years to come. A collaboration of groups representing various people across Buckie could really drive something special. I would love to see people across Buckie using the space...a Merson Park Maracanã where our proud local football tradition thrives but also other sports and interests can develop, grow and be accessed.
“The opportunities for Merson Park are endless and I hope to be able to support those individuals and groups who are keen to drive such a vision for the people of Buckie!"
Councillor Stuart spoke of the park’s “Unique potential”.
He commented: 'It was great to see so many people interested in the ongoing and future use of Merson Park.
“Merson Park has a unique potential to become a multi-purpose sports hub, with room for many sports. Right now, we need to support football groups like Buckie Thistle Youth Development and Buckie Rovers who currently use the park, so that they can continue to develop.
“With some creativity and vision, we could see the use of the park being added to further, supporting other sports and recreational activities.
“I'm sure once plans evolve there will be scope for key public consultation, this being due to elements of the park being designated common good.
“But it is clear to see, the future looks positive for Merson Park.”
