Mill Park
Mill Park: Cruden Bay’s Community Recreation Hub
Access to Mill Park is available via Station Road, with a spacious car park conveniently located within the grounds for visitors.
A Vital Community Space
Mill Park is a key recreational facility in the heart of Cruden Bay, providing essential sports and leisure amenities for the local community. It serves as a central hub for youth football and lawn bowling and includes a large children’s play area, all-weather pitches, and a community pavilion. These facilities are not only well-used but are also supported by ongoing, community-led improvement initiatives. The park is easily accessible by public transport, ensuring it remains a well-connected and inclusive space for all.
History and Governance
Mill Park was originally gifted to the Cruden Bay community and is held in trust for public benefit. Historically, it was managed by a group known as the “Park Committee,” which eventually dissolved due to a lack of participants. Since then, responsibility has been taken on by the Cruden Bay Community Association (CBCA), whose trustees now oversee the park’s stewardship as part of the association’s broader community mission.
Development of Facilities
The park’s facilities have been significantly enhanced over the years:
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The first all-weather pitch was commissioned as part of a planning gain contribution by the Cruden Bay Golf Club during the construction of their new clubhouse.
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A second all-weather pitch, along with the community pavilion, was developed in 1999 with funding from a National Lottery grant.
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Under the management of the CBCA, further amenities were added, including a youth shelter and seating near the children’s play area, providing gathering space for young residents and families.
Ongoing Upgrades
As of 2025, the all-weather pitches are undergoing renovation, with the playing surfaces recently cleaned and additional maintenance planned to ensure long-term use and safety.
Community Engagement and Events
Mill Park is more than just a sports facility — it’s a space for gathering and celebration. The park occasionally hosts various community events, including:
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🏆 Youth football tournaments
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🎉 Local gala days and village fêtes
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🚗 Car boot sales and community fundraisers
These events are supported and often organized by the CBCA and local volunteers, showcasing the strong sense of community pride and engagement in Cruden Bay.
Mill Park remains a cherished community asset, evolving through local dedication and collective effort. Whether for play, sport, or gathering, it continues to play an essential role in the social and recreational life of Cruden Bay.
Cruden Bay Bowling Club
Mill Park
Wednesday from 14:00
Thursday from 19:00 From April – September
£3.00 per session for visitors
Contact: Mike Riddle
Telephone: 07799805275
Email: cbbc@btinternet.com
Find us on Facebook: Cruden Bay Bowling Club
Lawn bowling club for all interested inhabitants of CrudenBay and surrounding area. Hat games are held on Wednesday afternoons at 2.00pm and Thursday evenings at 7.00pm throughout the season (April-Sept).
Visitors are welcome.
Mill Park Pavilion, Cruden & Hatton Community Pantry
Friday mornings 10.30 – 12.30
Contact: Rosemary Pittendrigh
Telephone: 07977 640814
email: rosemary.pittendrigh@outlook.com
The Cruden & Hatton Community Pantry is a volunteer-led initiative serving the communities of Cruden Bay, Hatton, Longhaven, and nearby areas in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It operates every Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 at the Pavilion in Mill Park, Station Road, Cruden Bay.
Unlike traditional food banks, the Pantry functions as a community larder, aiming to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food from supermarkets, businesses, and local households. Residents can access a variety of items, including tinned and dried goods, fresh and frozen products (within their use-by dates), and even homegrown fruits and vegetables.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Cruden Parish Church, the Cruden Bay Community Association, and CFINE (Community Food Initiatives North East). It provides a welcoming space where locals can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and engage in friendly conversation, fostering community spirit.
For updates and more information, you can visit their Facebook page.
Getting There
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Mill Park is directly adjacent to Cruden Bay’s Station Road bust stop, and just a minutes walk from Aulton Road from where routes 61, 62, and X63 operate regular services, connecting Cruden Bay with Peterhead and Aberdeen