Kay Park

Kay Park (including Reformers Monument)

Phase 2 In delivery - 2 years

Phase 3 - 1-14 years

Kay Park (Opened 1879) was given to the town by insurance broker Alexander Kay, this Category B-listed landscape is nationally renowned as the home of the Burns Monument Centre. Built to commemorate Robert Burns’ first edition “Kilmarnock Edition” poems, it stands as a premier hub for genealogy and civic ceremonies. Historically, the park featured a popular boating pond and served as a focal point for radical political expression, anchored by the Reformers Monument. Today, it remains a heavily used space for multi-generational recreation and active travel.

Phase 1: Masterplan Design and Reformers Monument
Phase 3: Masterplan Construction / Delivery

Funding opportunities:

Key stakeholders:

Key outcomes:

Attractiveness
Connectivity
Improved way-finding and signage
Improved vibrancy
Improved Biodiversity

Linked projects:

Way-finding and signage
River Development
Connectivity
Public Art
Infinity Loop

Key criteria achieved:

Make the town centre more accessible and easy to navigate

Enhance blue and green infrastructure for nature, wellbeing, play, recreation and resilience

Incorporate local history, art and traditions into the design of places

Generate inward investment and stimulate a diverse range of economic activity

Provide flexible spaces for a range of economic, recreational and cultural activity, recreation and resilience

Provide opportunities for people to engage with each other fostering a sense of place and empowering communities to take a role in the success of the town centre.

Support health and wellbeing

Next steps:

Masterplan to be developed for Kay Park
Developing Reformers Monument Public Art project.
Safety, path network and lighting review.
Reviewing Key Park Gateways and connectivity to the wider masterplan, river and infinity loop.
Re imagining or introducing facilities into a multi-generational community facility, reintroducing commercial boat and bike hire linked to the Kilmarnock Infinity Loop, and establishing a modern destination café.