Walking Mends My Mind

Park – Life Volunteer Spotlight: Stephen MacCrimmon Dunnikier Country Park Development Group’s Co-Founder and Current Secretary.

Behind every successful community project are people with energy, passion, and a genuine love for the place they’re helping to improve. Stephen MacCrimmon is one of those people. In this months episode of volunteer spotlight, he shares his journey, from cherished childhood memories to helping shape the future of Dunnikier Country Park for generations to come.

What inspires Stephen to volunteer: If Stephen’s being completely honest, it all started over “one too many Tennents” shared with an old friend. But beneath that light-hearted beginning is a deep and lasting connection to Dunnikier Park. As a child, the park felt like pure magic, trampolines, a paddling pool, crazy golf, and endless adventures with friends and family. Years later, Stephen found himself reliving those same moments with his own family. Over time, though, like many community spaces, the park lost some of that spark.

After the Covid restrictions, the importance of community spaces became even clearer. Stephen felt driven to help restore that sense of joy and connection, not just for his own family, but for future generations. That motivation led to further discussions and eventually the formation of Dunnikier Country Park Development Group, bringing together like-minded people with a shared vision. Their first major mission? Delivering a brand-new inclusive play park.

As Stephen puts it: “Go big or go home!!”

Favourite volunteer memory: For Stephen, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing families reconnect, not only with nature but with each other. There’s something special about watching children play freely with huge smiles, while parents join in rather than looking at their phones. It’s a powerful reminder that the best moments are often the simplest.

Beyond the play park, Stephen takes pride in seeing people enjoy all areas of the park that have been improved. Community events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Spooky Walk — often free or low-cost — bring people together in meaningful ways.

“Happy faces and laughter everywhere,” Stephen says. “That’s exactly why we do it.”

Skills Stephen brings to the team: Stephen describes his biggest contribution as energy, enthusiasm, and the occasional “wonderfully wacky idea.”

With a natural ability to connect with people shaped by both previous volunteering and his role in sales, he thrives on building relationships and getting others involved. Whether it’s sparking conversations or motivating others, Stephen is often at the centre of activity. Volunteering has also helped him grow, particularly in community engagement and teamwork. For him, one of the most satisfying aspects is seeing an idea evolve into something real that people can enjoy and appreciate.

The Park’s positive impact on the community: Dunnikier Park offers something truly invaluable, a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of circumstance.

At a time when many families are facing financial pressures, having a free place to spend quality time together is more important than ever. The park provides fresh air, fun, and shared experiences without the need to spend money. It also plays a vital role in reconnecting people with nature, often without them even realising it. Most importantly, it brings people together, creating a space where background doesn’t matter, and making memories is what truly counts.

Challenges ahead: Like many community-led initiatives, the development group faces ongoing challenges. One of the biggest is volunteer capacity. While there’s strong commitment from those involved, more helping hands are always needed to keep momentum going and bring new ideas to life.

Funding is another hurdle. Turning plans into reality requires resources, and securing funding can be difficult. Despite this, the determination within the group remains strong. With continued passion, community support, and growing volunteer involvement, Stephen is confident the park will continue to thrive.

Favourite spot in the park: Choosing a favourite spot isn’t easy, as each area of the park has its own unique charm. However, for Stephen, the fairy trail stands out. There’s something undeniably magical about it, a space filled with imagination, creativity, and small touches added by the community. These contributions bring warmth and personality, making the trail feel truly special.

For Stephen, it perfectly captures what Dunnikier Park represents, people coming together to create something meaningful and shared.

Encouraging more volunteers: Stephen’s message to anyone thinking about getting involved is simple “just give it a go“.

No previous experience is needed just a bit of enthusiasm and a willingness to take part. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, make friends, and reconnect with nature right on your doorstep. More than that, it’s about being part of something bigger contributing to a lasting legacy and seeing firsthand the difference you can make.

What Stephen has learned through volunteering: Volunteering has given Stephen a strong appreciation for the number of people in the community who genuinely care and want to make a difference. He’s also realised that this level of community spirit isn’t something to take for granted and that it deserves to be celebrated more often.

Above all, Stephen believes it’s the people who shape a place. When individuals come together, feel heard, and work towards a shared goal, real and lasting change happens.

Hopes for the future: Stephen’s hopes for Dunnikier Park are both simple and ambitious, more people, more pride, and more reasons to love the space. He’d like to see greater community involvement, particularly from younger generations, helping shape the park’s future. There’s also potential to enhance the visitor experience while turning it into a place where people spend a full day, not just a short visit.

One area he’s especially passionate about is the wetlands, with opportunities to boost biodiversity and create a richer natural environment. Ultimately, Stephen wants Dunnikier Park to be more than maintained he wants it to feel alive.

Three words that describe what the park means to Stephen:

Community. Memories. Belonging.

Park – Life written by Gary Meldrum.