A community group has warned someone could be seriously hurt if stricter safety measures are not put in place at an 18th-century wall which has become unstable.
The top section of the Firhill Well – known locally as “the Gibberie Wallie” – in Sunnybank Park, was broken off earlier this week when children were playing on it.
The accident has led to calls for stricter health and safety measures to be put in place to avoid any serious accidents.
Nick Mills, secretary of the Friends of Sunnybank Park, said: “I’ve been told it was an accident but we have had vandalism on it before.
“It’s a very popular seat for people walking their dogs, we keep the area fenced off so people can let their dogs off the leash.
“It will certainly be good to get it mended as soon as possible, I think people will still sit on it when it is fixed but maybe climbing all over it isn’t the best idea.”
“It’s the council’s responsibility to carry out any repairs as they still own the park, and they are always helpful.
“It’s a difficult one because we don’t want to have lots of ‘do not do this’ signs around the park, but maybe that’s the best option if it’s going to be too dangerous – we certainly don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
Friends of Sunnybank Park was first established in 2011 after the council proposed to sell-off the park, formerly known as St Machar Outdoor Centre, after it fell into a state of disrepair.
The group works with Aberdeen City Council to maintain and improve the open space.
The well – which was originally built on what is now the site of Aberdeen University’s heating plant – dates back to at least 1721, when local man John Forbes claimed the water had cured his gallstones.
It became known as the “the Gibberie Wallie” after Baubie Courage began selling gingerbread there in the 19th century.
In 1937, the well was moved to its current location, to make way for a planned road which was never built.
Aberdeen City Council confirmed it is aware of the safety situation.
Councillor Neil Cooney, communities, housing and infrastructure convener, said: “We will assess the damage and endeavour to repair it as soon as possible.”