Improvements to Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a beautiful oasis next to the River Clyde, and boasts two ponds - one a large expanse of water designed for the sailing of model boats and frequented by large numbers of swans, and the other, a smaller pond intended for ornamental water-fowl and a wildlife haven.  On the opposite bank of the River Clyde, Glasgow Green extends towards the city centre.

The land for the park was purchased from William Smith Dixon by Glasgow Corporation on Whitsunday 1898, for the sum of £41,389.  Plans were immediately drawn up, and carried out swiftly - the park was formally opened on 7 September 1899.  It was named after Sir David Richmond, Lord Provost of Glasgow over the period 1896-1899, in recognition of his role in the purchase of the ground. Over the years, the landscape of the park has matured but, with the decline in catchment population, many of its facilities became little used and were closed down. 

The regeneration of Oatlands has presented a golden opportunity to comprehensively upgrade the park and around £2 million has been allocated to upgrade the recreational provision, landscape framework and appearance of Richmond Park. A full-size football pitch, a multi-purpose games court and a range of children’s play facilities will be provided, including two pre-school play areas, an adventure playground and possibly, subject to community agreement, a ‘wheels sport area’ for skateboarding.  New flower beds will be laid out, footpaths will be upgraded, new park railings with a distinctive design will be provided, and the appearance of the pond will be improved, further enhanced by a new fountain or water feature.

In the meantime, the Council has replaced and reopened the footbridge over the mouth of the Polmadie or Jenny's Burn during 2010, and reopened the stretch of riverside walkway in both directions, westwards to Waterside Street, Hutchesontown and eastwards to Rutherglen Bridge, in June 2011.  Bett Homes implemented the central part in front of the flats at Haughview Terrace, and the works at either end were carried out by the Council with DRS Greenspace Programme funding of £140,000.

Bett Homes has since provided new metal fencing to the Provost Way frontage of Richmond Park, and completed a footpath link though the area of parkland by the Polmadie Burn, following clearance of overgrown vegetation by the Community Reparation Service.  The company prepared the ground for community planting, organised by the Oatlands Development Trust, of two new shrub beds over the 2011 September holiday weekend.  The Trust has since planted a small community orchard and sown wildflower seeds on the remainder of the prepared ground, between the new shrub beds and the burn.

Special mention should be made of the excellent voluntary contribution made by the Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club in clearing the park's ponds of rubbish and litter every year.  Irresponsible littering leads to an accumulation of debris which is not only unsightly and likely to foul boat propellers, but is extremely dangerous to the wildlife.

The photograph below shows the relationship between the park and the remaining housing blocks at ‘Grey Square’ and Elmfoot Street/Logan Street in the background, prior to the start of work on site and subsequent demolitions.

Aerial view of Richmond Park, prior to the

start of the Oatlands regeneration works