New Friends of Group give Alexandra Park a helping hand

The Friends of Alexandra Park is the 32nd friends of group to be established in the city.

It's made up of dedicated volunteers who aim to help raise awareness of the historic east end park by building new links with community groups, local schools and businesses in the area.

The council is carrying out extensive improvement works in and around Alexandra Park as part of its Parks Development Programme.  This month work will start on restoring the B-listed Cruickshank cast iron drinking fountain and canopy, and the main gates and park entrance at Alexandra Parade. Further repair works on five side entrances, with new gates at the Riddrie entrance on Provan Road are planned for early 2016.

Other work due to get underway this month is phase two of the pond works which will see the large pond drained and cleared of debris.

Bailie Elaine McDougall, Glasgow City Council's Executive Member for Transport, Environment and Sustainability, said: "There are a lot of great things happening in Alexandra Park and I'm delighted to see the Friends of Group set up and running. 

"Friends of Groups are made up of local residents from a wide range of backgrounds and interests who work closely with the council to promote and support all aspects of parks and open spaces.

"We now have more than 30 friends groups set up across the city.  Of course, it's not just for parks, groups can be for an open space, river, cemetery or woodland.

"These groups appreciate the city's park heritage and offer a way for members of the community who want to make a positive contribution to get involved. These groups are an important link between the council and the people who use the parks. 

"We welcome their ideas and value the role they play in making our city's parks and open spaces enjoyable for everyone."

The Friends of Alexandra Park agreed their constitution at their meeting held on 6 October, where Maxine Anderson was elected as Chair, Mary Teresa McGinlay, Secretary and Lyn Ferguson, Treasurer.

A planned Friends of Alexandra Park Launch Day will take place on Saturday 7 November from 12pm at the Sports Hub, located within Alexandra Park.

Vehicular access to the Sports Hub can be made by entering the park at Sannox Gardens or by foot at any of the surrounding public entrance points. 

For information on how to set up a Friends of Group.