Going Ape in Pollok Park?
Posted by: Richard in Glasgow, Personal, Politics, Running, Scotland, SportOn a walk around Pollok Park a few weeks back, Frances and I stopped at a seat in a section of the park behind the Burrell Collection. As we were talking, I overheard a couple of people behind us talking, and glanced around to see they were referring to what seemed like planning proposals. Talk of ‘buildings’, but couldn’t really gather too much without starting to look obvious. I made a mental note to see what it was about, and then proceeded to forget all about it.
Recently (not that long after our walk to be honest) we were on a break in the Trossach’s, and visited The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre, and I saw that a “Go Ape” rope and tree site had been setup there (Grr. Their website has one of those squiffy perspective maps that shrinks this part of the country). I had a poke around the facility there and had great some flashbacks to some of the orienteering and building exercises I took part in when I was in the Scouts. Including going down a long rope/zip slide.
What’s the connection? Well I’ve just discovered (via G41’s excellent site) that there is a proposal to build such a facility in Pollok Park, and that Glasgow council are asking for public feedback on the proposal.
I need to give it a bit more thought before I send back my comments. On the one had I think it’d be great in a predominantly inner city area to get folk out and about doing interesting things. It’d also create some employment opportunities, and increase awareness about the park – which I think is frequently forgotten by many Glaswegians.
But on the other hand, I can’t help but feel it could rather ruin the tranquility of that part of Pollok Park – which is largely woodland and paths that are a real pleasure to walk through. It would be somewhat ruined by having children wizzing about overhead (The ‘Go Ape’ experience is not exactly quiet). Speaking selfishly too (as somebody who makes heavy use of the paths in that particular area), I’m also rather worried it may reduce the number of running options that are open to me and the many other runners that use the park through the year.
The deadline for feedback is next Monday (15th October). Given the word only just seems to be creeping out (and I’ve seen no obvious posters of this at all in or around the park), I’m not impressed the council are giving park users, or local residents, a proper opportunity to state their views. I wonder what one of our local councillors, who I gather sits on the planning committee, has to say on the matter?
Update – See www.savepollokpark.com for the local residents response, including details of the public meeting on 22nd January, 2008
See Also:
- For Facebook users, I’ve also created a discussion on the Glasgow Network. Goodness, using Facebook for something constructive? Who’d have thunk it.
- The Herald were on the case on 1st October.
Entries (RSS)
October 12th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Tranquil spots are rare these days.
I used to find them in cemeteries.
Most parks have people playing ghetto blaster, Ipods too loud etc etc.
But them I could be classed as a grumpy old woman now.
October 14th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
You are quite correct I am a member of the Planning Applications Committee. This unfortunately restricts what I can say as it is a quasi-judicial body and I can’t be seen to prejudge applications before they come to committee – if this particular one does indeed come before us as the Council officers are able to throw it out before it reaches committee.
However, what I will say is that I can see both arguments too. The proposal may disturb the tranquility of such a lovely local park and go against Sir Maxwell’s vision, but then again it could attract more visitors and is something children would enjoy.
I agree that knowledge of this is limited. If I had known about the link on the Council website I would have emailed it to my contacts.
Will be interesting to see the outcome…
Cllr David Meikle
Pollokshields ward
City Chambers
Glasgow G2 1DU
david.meikle@glasgow.gov.uk
tel 287 7013
December 19th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
[...] previously posted about Glasgow council’s proposal to bring Go Ape! to Pollok Country Park. There was a public consultation that was decidedly dubious (very focused on [...]
January 11th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
As someone who has walked through this park for55 years I object strongly to
parts of it being used for what ammounts to monkey business, it was bad enough losing out to the M77, this proposal is ridiculous and before it goes any further it should be halted, this park is for Glasgows people not a commercial venture to benefit a minority.
January 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for your comment.
Hopefully you’ll also be writing to your councillors, and perhaps come along to the public meeting on 22nd Jan?
There’s plenty more about the campaign to stop the development at: http://www.savepollokpark.com/
Regards,
Richard
January 17th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
[...] previously blogged about the Go Ape proposal in Pollok Park (here and here). It’s currently a very hot topic in Glasgow, and the letters pages of the various [...]
January 20th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I am confused as to why the impression is being given that this is a facility for children. My only experience with go ape is their site in the lake district.
This appears to be used by adults in the main, although there were certainly teenagers and families making use of not only the high tree facility but also the bike hire (for the bike trails), the outdoor clothing/ accessory shop, restaurant and picnic areas.
The visitors to the facility included many adult groups and indeed the stag party I was with.
I dont feel any of this contributes positively to the ethos of polok park
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
[...] blogged a number of times about the Go Ape proposal (here on the consultation, here, and here), and last night went along to the Save Pollok Park public meeting. The Herald does [...]
January 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
like one of the correspondents above i saw (and heard) go ape in aberfoyle as we tried to walk in the forest and the (adult)apes screeched above us. At £20 per head it will be too expensive for local kids and will appeal to corporate bodies stag parties etc. Is this going to enhance the beauty of the park? It was voted best park for its tranquility; there are deer just where the go ape cabin will be.
Mr Booth is a non elected disgrace and the councillors who remain intransigent despite the obvious conclusion that their consultation was faulty, will be out at the next election – so should Mr arrogant Booth.
Go Ape may be a good company but the bad publicity it gets from this fiasco will spread and Tristan Mayhew should think about this.
Great of the council to ensure all schools knew about the proposal – they just forgot about the users of the park and the locals.
By the way could I pay £2000 per year rent for a franchise in the park – I want to open a wee chippie – Im sure the schoolkids would vote for that!
February 27th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Thanks one and all for all the comments that are still coming in here, and on my other posts.
Just wanted to make sure you all knew the things you can do to help:
Writing to your local councillor, MSP and MP expressing your views (E-mail addresses are available at http://www.savepollokpark.com/14001.html ). It’s not too late. Nobody in the council has voted on anything yet!
Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/220848/petition.html
Join the facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20574082168 to stay in touch.
Stay in touch with the developments in the campaign at http://www.savepollokpark.com
Regards,
Richard.