Maps : National Library of Scotland
Brutal Era Over For Vics
Left : A 1960s OS map showing the layout of Voluntary Park
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Below Left : An OS map showing the location of Voluntary Park in Whitletts . In later years , New Voluntary Park would be built on the area marked ’ Playing Field ’, close to Glenmuir Place
The expansion of Ayr as a town saw the council agree to build a competition standard cinder running track at Dam Park , on the site of the former Ayr Cricket Club ground , which had opened in 1898 . As long ago as 1914 , Ayr United had coveted Dam Park as they were unhappy with the terms of their lease at Somerset Park and actively entered into negotiations with the freeholder , the Ayr Agricultural Association ( AAA ), to sign a lease with the plan to build a 50,000-capacity venue on the ample and centrally located site . They had not considered the furore the plan would cause amongst the members of the cricket club , who were justifiably horrified at the damage the footballers would undoubtedly cause their hallowed and highly prized surface . The plan was turned down and when the cricket club ’ s lease expired in 1919 , United again made a case for acquiring the site , but by a sizeable majority it was agreed by the AAA to grant a new lease solely to the cricket club .
By 1935 , however , the cricketers had decamped to a new venue at Cambusdoon , so the land at Dam Park , situated on the north bank of the River Ayr , had been vacant for many years when in 1961 the Burgh architect , Maurice Hickey , was tasked with the designing of a cantilevered stand for the town ’ s new sports facility . The town council , who now owned the site , had installed a cinder running track during 1960 and 1961 . The new track was opened on 29 April 1961 , although the star event , the high jump , pitting joint British record holders Crawford Fairbrother and Gordon Miller against each other , both holding the 6 ’ 8¼ mark , failed to live up to the billing , as Miller was forced to withdraw through injury .