Size
Approximately 53 Acres
History
The park was acquired in 1892 for £35,000 and derives its name from the old house and estate of Ruchill. The house was situated a small distance to the north the park.
The park was purchased by the city fathers of the time to give the large working class population who resided in the tenemental properties of the North/North West of Glasgow, which had no gardens, a green oasis for leisure and recreation.
Outstanding Features
The Flagpole - from the viewing point at the base of the flagpole you have one of Glasgow’s finest viewing points. From this vantage point you have splendid views of Glasgow, as well as a clear view of the Campsie hills to Gleniffer, Cathkins Braes, as well as a wonderful clear view of planes as they descend into Glasgow airport.
- Surface Urban Drain System - the park will be the site of a new Surface Urban Drain System(SUDS). This is due to be installed during the autumn/winter period 2006/07. This system will manage the rainwater that will run off the new housing and school that are planned to be located on the former Ruchill Hospital site. The water from the buildings will be treated on site and then form part of an educational eco system consisting of three ponds within the park.
Facilities
- Jogging Trails - The extensive grounds attract many joggers and athletes. The park offers several miles of level stretches combined with fierce inclines if required. This combination attracts both individual runners and club runners - most notably Maryhill Harriers and Shettleston Harriers. Several football clubs – professional amateur and junior - hold their pre season training sessions in the park.
- Play areas - the park has at present three play areas. One at the entrance at Bilsland Drive, another located adjacent to the flagpole and the third at the top of the park, over looking Firhill Park the home of the world famous Partick Thistle.
- Flowers - the park has many rose and flower beds throughout. There are also many seats with litter bins nearby where you can rest and take in the wonderful views of the park and it surroundings.
- Orienteering - The park has one of fifteen orienteering courses that are located in parks throughout Glasgow. Maps packs for these are available from the reception at main sports centres and museums and the Mitchell Library.
- Conservation - There are a number of conservation areas located throughout the park - these contain various wildlife. The deciduous woodland supports a wide range of common woodland birds including blackbird, long-tailed tit, and wren. Tree creepers can sometimes be seen climbing spirally up the tree trunks to feed on insects and spiders.
- Security - the park is regularly patrolled by the park ranger’s services and also by Land and Environmental Services personnel carrying out maintenance duties throughout the day.
Travel
- Bus - the local bus services 89 and 90 are provided by First Bus and run along Bilsland Drive. These provide access to and from the west end, southside of the city and the eastern end of the city centre.
A more direct link to the city centre can be obtained from Maryhill Road(400m) on services 40 and 61 and also from Balmore Road/Saracen Street(500m) on services 54 and 75 to the park.
- Rail - the nearest rail stations to the park are Possilpark and Parkhouse, which are approximately 750m from the park.
- Parking - there is limited disabled car parking available within the park. You are advised to contact 0141 287 5064 prior to commencing your journey if you require a space. There is however plenty of on street car parking available at Murano Street/Bilsland Drive.
Events in the Park
The park was the main focal point for the hugely successful first Glasgow North 5K fun run on Sunday 23rd April 2006 when approximately 1000 runners took part in the inaugural event. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.
The Friends Of Ruchill Park
The group exists to support the Local Authority in the day to day management and longer-term development of the Park. The inaugural meeting took place 16 February 1993 at the suggestion of a local resident.
The group membership includes representatives of the users of the Park's facilities, residents and the Local Authority.
The group meets six times a year in the New Ladies Bowls Pavilion in the Park - meeting dates are advertised in advance on the Park notice-boards. Within the constraints of its budgets, the Local Authority has demonstrated its willingness to respond to User Group suggestions.
If you are interested in the care of the park, its use and future improvements, please come along and make a contribution. For information on meeting dates phone 0141 287 9876.
Contact Details
General Enquiries
Phone: 0141 287 5064
Playgrounds
Phone: 0141 946 3269
E-mail: land@glasgow.gov.uk
Public Transport Journey Information
Traveline Scotland
Phone: 0871 200 22 33