top of page
Search

Update: What's happening in the park?

As you may remember, Friends of Gyle Park have identified several focus areas for the future off the back of our Park User Survey in 2024. We would like to give an overview of each area and their rationale for selection, as well as what is currently happening around it - have a look below, as we may need your help!

Focus areas


Improving playful activities and play areas

This focus area focusses on any action that would support and improve playful activity - not just for children but anyone who wishes to engage in play. This could mean repairing or upgrading existing facilities (e.g. the playpark, ramp park, basketball court - please note the slide in the playpark is already planned to be replaced soon!) as well as adding new ones, or arranging events or running projects that focus on play. Other ideas/solutions welcome!


Rationale:

  • Improvements to playpark are one of the 3 most popular feedback points 

  • Kids and parents make up a large proportion of park users, supported by census data showing U18s make up a large proportion of people in the park's area


Action:

  • FOGP are in conversations with the council on possible upgrades/replacements for the play park.

  • There will be a more focussed follow-up questionaire coming soon to explore more detail and gather more information to help support any cases/proposals FOGP may make to other parties.




Reducing litter in the park

This focus area involves any research and improvement work that will lead to a cleaner park. This problem area hasn't been as straightforward over the years as expected so we would like to think about it a little differently. This might involve conducting more research on how waste in the park is being created, how bins are used, looking at more strategic solutions (e.g. location/number of bins) as well as cultural solutions (e.g. awareness campaigns, regular litterpicking) to reduce litter. Other ideas/solutions welcome!

It should be noted that currently placement and number of bins in council parks is governed by the council's policy on park management within the city. FOGP have raised this many times with the council with little success. A change to the policy can only be agreed through the council's decision making structures. If you think there should be a change to the current policy please contact your local councillor to request a change.


Rationale:

  • One of the 3 most popular feedback points.

  • This has been an ongoing pain point for years, with initial solution suggestions not being as simple as expected

Action:

  • On 29th of March, FOGP are running a Park Spring Clean which will involve not just the usual litter picking activities but also some smaller upgrade works as well as an information stand where you can speak to members of the committee.

  • Sign up here: BIG SPRING CLEAN REGISTRATION

  • More regular litterpicks are planned while we look at other sustainable solutions.




Supporting the natural environment of the park

This area focusses on any improvements to the natural environment of the park, such as increasing biodiversity, providing wildlife habitats, offering enjoyable nature features to the park users - in a manageable, safe way.


Rationale:

  • One of the 3 most popular feedback points.

  • Environmental work is a core part of FOGP charitable purpose and support by expert partners such as The Conservation Volunteers is available.


Action:

  • Activities to maintain nature features such as the wildflower meadow or tree/bulb-planting are happening regularly throughout the year - e.g. last year we planted 2500 bulbs which are now starting to flower. There have also been workshops via The Conservation Volunteers on scything, pruning and wildflower maintenance which we may be able to continue.

  • An event is planned to plant 30 tree saplings (silver birch, wild cherry and rowan) provided by the Woodland Trust this spring.

  • We are actively looking for volunteers who can help us with work on the nature features! Please reach out to info.fotgp@yahoo.com if you're interested in helping progress our work in this area!





Providing public toilets

This idea focusses on exploring the viability and requirements for providing toilets to park users. Providing and maintaining public toilets will come with a certain level of effort. "Out of the box" ideas on effective approaches are always welcome!


Rationale:

  • The most highlighted accessibility requirement

  • Accessibility is important to FOGP

Action:

  • FOGP are currently exploring options to provide public toilets, however additional information/statistics may be required to drive discussions with other parties. Keep an eye out for any polls.




Making the park more dog-friendly in a fair way for all users

This area focusses on researching the needs of different park user groups in more detail in relation to the topics of dogs: How can the park be made more dog-friendly while also balancing this against the needs of other park users.



Rationale:

  • There was a wide range of opinions received amongst survey respondents and this requires further research before any action is taken.


Action:


Other updates

While we identified focus areas, this doesn't mean other things are on pause! Here are a few things that have happened or are in planning.


  • New lighting was installed for safer paths (incl. pavillion path).

  • Our 2025 Fun Run is currently being planned - date tbc!

  • Work will be completed on the outstanding ground reinstatement in the north east area of the park.


We hope that this update is insightful - if you want to become a member of FOGP and give us a hand in any way, you can sign up here: Membership Sign-Up Form







 
 
bottom of page