a new recreation ground at kings college

 All lovers of outdoor sports will join in congratulating the students' committee entrusted with the acquiring and laying out of the new recreation ground at King Street on the successful issue of the project. The idea of a park orginated in 1884, when a committee of students was appointed to consider what steps could be taken with the view of acquiring for athletic purposes the ground lying immediately to the east of King's College. The result of this committee's deliberation at the time was that the Senatus was approached on the subject. Dr. Pirie, the then Principal, at once interested himself in the proposal. He minutely examined the scheme, and, after satisfying himself on various points, promised the committee his support in the matter. A memorial showing the need of a ground and the suitability of the one in question was thereafter drawn up and submitted to the Senatus. That body thereupon appointed a committee to consider the claims of the students. The outcome was that the two committees agreed to a joint report, and this report was subsequently adopted by the Senatus. Finally the Senatus resolved to grant the piece of ground sought, subject only to the conditions of resumption if required for future extension of the college buildings, or any other university purpose. The necessary preliminary business was then commenced. Plans were prepared showing how the ground would be best utilized for the purpose. It was calculated that the scheme would cost somewhere about £2000. For that sum an appeal was made to the graduates of the University, and a bazaar held. The result of these was that last summer the committee found themselves in a position to proceed with the execution of the plans. As affairs now stand, the work may be said to be all but completed. Prominent among the promoters, Mr D. M. M. Milligan has done much to further the scheme. Indeed Mr Milligan is to be credited with having first mooted the subject. 

The grounds have a fine appearance, and form a striking foreground to the buildings at the rear of King's College. They cover an area of about eight acres, and have been laid out to include football, cricket, and tennis grounds. But for the library, which abuts on the field at the western side, the ground would otherwise be square, but this in no way detracts from its appearance - rather the reverse. Surrounding the field is a plain 8 1/2 feet stone wall. The main entrance is from the corner of King Street and University Road, side entrances being from Regent's Walk and University Road. A raised terrace for the spectators, which contributes much to the beautiful appearance of the field, has been formed on the east and west sides. The greater part of the field will, of course, be reserved for football and cricket, the tennis courts being situated at the west boundary, between the terrace and the college buildings. The courts are six in number. They are in two divisions, - the one turfed and the other cindered, three courts in each division. Ample provision has been made for cricket. There will be three pitches, two of these will be at the sides, and will be used for general practice ; the one in the centre will be reserved for matches. In the disposition of the ground an arrangement has been made whereby it will be possible to lay down, if desirable, at slight expense a bicycle and running track. From the main entrance at King Street there is a carriage drive extending along the south side parallel with University Road. Along the sides of the entrance shrubbery and other ornamental plants are to be laid down during the coming summer. At the end of the drive in the south-west corner will be situated the pavilion. It is intended to be fitted up in an elegant manner, with bathrooms, dressing-rooms, lavatories, &c. From the pavilion a full view of the field will be obtainable. A bandstand will be erected in the north-west corner. Should the funds permit it is also proposed to build a lodge near the main entrance at an early date.

So far, the works have cost over £1000. The contractors were :- For excavating work, Messrs Fraser & Durward; erecting the walIs, Messrs Fordyce & Co.; erecting the gates, Mr Alexander Hall; and plumbing, Mr A. G. Emslie. The whole of the works have been out in a most satisfactory manner under the superintendence of Messrs Duncan & Ironside, civil engineers. As yet it has not been definitely arranged at what time the grounds will be opened, but it is expected that it will be some time during the autumn. It is believed thata visit will then be paid by a combination of Rugby football players from the south. Much admiration has been by expressed in various quarters at the way in which the field has been laid out, and it is doubtful if a finer recreation ground is to be found in any part of Scotland. 

Source : The Aberdeen Journal Monday April 29th, 1889