Once called Gilmerton Park Moredunvale Park has a fascinating story. Moredunvale Park is more than just a green space. It is a testament to community resilience and transformation.
Originally part of the Ferniehill Estate the land now occupied by Moredunvale Park was once farmland. A dovecot stood near Moredun Park View until its demolition around 1939 or 1940. South of the park near Ferniehill Park limestone quarries and limekilns dotted the landscape in the 1800s. The park’s uneven terrain might be due to this mining heritage. Edinburgh acquired the land in 1964. But it was in 2010 following a community consultation that it was renamed Moredunvale Park.
Recently the Moredunvale area faced underinvestment in its buildings and greenspace. Services were reduced. But the community found its voice. They began working with the City of Edinburgh Council. Their goal was a holistic community-led improvement program. A steering group was formed. It included residents community representatives and the design team. They listened discussed and agreed on every detail.
Anderson Bell Christie Architects are collaborating on proposals to improve Moredunvale. HTA Design and WAVEparticle are also involved. The aim is to rejuvenate the five-hectare greenspace. The goal is creating an exciting new neighborhood park.
The project focuses on improving accessibility. It provides play opportunities for all age groups. New trees and meadow planting are planned. Gathering spaces will offer uninterrupted views of Arthur’s Seat.
In the summer of 2022 WAVEparticle led an artist-led consultation. They held workshops. They spoke with local people. This engagement helped identify priority park improvements. A conceptual masterplan was created. Visuals illustrated the community’s ideas. The work was projected onto the tower blocks bordering the site. This raised awareness for the project.
The community campaigned to prevent a housing development. They wanted to transform the green space into a park. The council has worked with local residents through the Housing Neighborhood Improvement Programme. The project includes new paths better play equipment and an outdoor gym. An outdoor amphitheater additional litter bins and seats are planned. Infrastructure for community activities like gala days will be added. Tree planting and wildflower meadow areas are also in the works.
Moredunvale Park already features seating and outdoor play equipment. An outdoor gym includes a seated rower chest press recumbent bike and accessible cross trainer. The park also has a floral meadow with annuals.
The community hopes to bring back the Moredun gala day. This would signify community renewal. It would demonstrate a sense of shared ownership. The hope is that this leads to lower rates of anti-social behavior lower energy bills and improved health.
Moredunvale Park stands as a symbol of what a community can achieve.