Glasgow playgrounds in areas with highest child poverty to get priority investment

Playgrounds in Glasgow areas of high child poverty are getting priority for repairs and improvements in a new council move to help families in need.

Recent refurbishments have taken place at Beardmore play park in the east end and Bonnyholm playground in the south side.

Lethamhill and Helenslea play areas are also in line for improvements.

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A Glasgow City Council officer said: "What we are proposing is that play areas, which serve the highest number of children in poverty, are now refurbished first so these children are getting the best of the services that we are able to offer."

The official told this week's environment and liveable neighbourhoods city policy committee that play area renewal is aligned with child poverty data so the council can make more informed decisions.

The update was given to councillors as part of a paper presenting the council's vision for Glasgow’s parks and green spaces.

Councillors were told children have also been giving feedback on playgrounds as part of a 'play sufficiency assessment' submitted to Scottish Ministers under a city development plan 2 process.

Parks within the highest areas of deprivation, which have seen less investment, are also being targeted as part of potential investment. Hogarth Park, Fruin Street Openspace and Garscadden Burn Park are being assessed for the condition of benches, paths and fencing among other issues according to a council paper.

Achievements highlighted in the council's vision for green spaces include the transformation of Pollok Country Park, the planting of 24,000 trees in 2023 to 2024 and the establishment of food growing sites.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Stephen Docherty, Labour, asked how often biodiversity areas are maintained.

The officer said the council is investing in machinery which can carry out annual cuts and collection of grass at large meadow plots and conservation volunteers are carrying out bespoke maintenance.

She explained training is taking place so the workforce knows how to maintain meadows, urban drainage ponds and woodlands.

Councilor Docherty also asked if there would be an end of year cut city wide as some areas have very long grass in parks and open spaces.

The officer said the council has a grass and management regime that is specific to the site characteristics, taking into account biodiversity and staffing, machinery and resources available.

The councillors agreed to note the progress of the council strategy 'Our Dear Green Place' at the meeting this week.

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