Plans to turn a former wastewater treatment works into a beautiful village park were given the go head by the Cairngorms National Park Authority yesterday.
Members of the board’s planning committee were unanimous in their support for John Smith’s proposals for the Aviemore plant.
Mr Smith, of EnviroPlan Consulting, wants to turn the water reservoir into a boating pond in the summer and an ice rink in the winter.
There will also be a mini golf course created on the surrounding land on Dalfaber Road, close to the centre of Aviemore.
The waste water treatment plant closed several years ago and was replaced by a new site on the outskirts of the village.
Councillor Bill Lobban, who is a member of the committee, said: “It is a great idea.
“It is an eyesore as it stands.
“Mr Smith is trying to turn it into something better.”
According to planning documents, the near 65ft diameter tank will be filled in and used as a pond for “bumper boats”.
Then in the winter, it will be transformed into an ice rink using sheets of plastic “ice”.
The former pumphouse will be converted into a ticket office, storage, toilets and snack bar.
Areas will also be provided for picnics, bike storage and bird feeding.
The facility will be open from 9am-9pm every day.
CNPA planning officer Katherine Donnachie said: “The development is generally welcomed as positive reuse of a derelict site, is of a good standard of design, and is now providing additional landscape and biodiversity provision.”
Aviemore Community Council has also given the scheme its support, although they had concerns about parking provision in the area.