East Ayrshire Leisure - The Guide May-Aug 2016 Jan Feb March April 2017 | Page 28

CO U N T RYS I D E D E AN CAST L E & CO U N T RY PAR K The overall vision for the Dean Castle Country Park Development Project is to create a 5 star visitor attraction which will maximise the opportunities that the site has to encourage the local community and visitors to participate in, appreciate and value their local heritage. The creation of a fully integrated visitor experience is central to our vision. The project has 4 main aims: Aim 1: To restore key aspects of the historic designed landscape creating a sympathetic setting for the Castle and built features which is respectful of the past whilst contemporary in design, encouraging greater appreciation of our local heritage. Aim 2: To develop a centre for rural life which provides opportunities for recreation and education within a rural setting whilst reflecting on modern and traditional industries, farming and conservation practices. Artists impression of Rural Life building Aim 3: To conserve and enhance the landscape value of Dean Castle and Country Park by introducing proactive and innovative management which will improve the recreational and educational opportunities whilst encouraging greater biodiversity Aim 4: To modernise and restore the castle and collections, providing greater access and interpretation around the visitor experience. Artists impression of Edwardian Landscape 28 eastayrshireleisure.com eastayrshireleisure.com 29