Emergency Picnic this Sunday to ‘Save Cathkin Park’
A fence has been erected around the football pitch in Cathkin Park, which residents say prevents locals from access to using the space. A petition and picnic has been organised in protest at the move by the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust who leases the green space from the council.
By Rhiannon J Davies | Photos by Iain McLellan
Southside residents are rallying together for an emergency family fun day in a bid to ‘save Cathkin Park’.
The event will take place this Sunday 24 March, from 2 to 5pm at Cathkin Park located on 58-82 Florida Ave, Glasgow, G42 8XG. The plan is for an array of activities including music, food, crafts, and all-ages sports.
This emergency action group of local residents formed following concerns about the park being recently fenced off.
Glasgow City Council granted approval for the installation of a boundary fence around the perimeter of the existing grass sports pitch fence on 12 December 2023.
The park was originally opened in 1884 by Queen’s Park FC. When they outgrew the stadium, it became home to Third Lanark, who later entered liquidation. The stadium subsequently fell into disrepair. The land was bought in 1971 by Glasgow Corporation who designated Cathkin Park as Open Space. In 2007, the pitch and adjacent pavilion were leased to Glasgow Life (then Culture and Sport Glasgow) to maintain and manage on behalf of the Council.
Tenants of the space, the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust, were granted a 20 year lease in 2022 under the condition that the facilities remain ‘open to all’. Those organising the protest says the fence goes against this condition.
Jess who lives nearby said: “Cathkin Park is the only local green space, a life saver for everyone – especially during Covid. Just because the Council would rather not have to deal with helping us keep the park tidy, we are now suddenly being told we can’t use a huge area. We won’t stand for it.”
Expressing their discontent, locals have launched a petition which has collected over 1,600 signatures urging the removal of the fence and restoration of public access. The petition states:
“I am a resident of Mount Florida, Glasgow, and like many others in our community, I cherish the green oasis that is Cathkin Park. This park has served as a vital public space for us - a place to connect with nature, play sports, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet. However, the recent decision by Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee threatens this cherished resource.
The committee has approved the erection of a fence that would restrict access to Cathkin Park to members of a private boys’ football club that is selective and does not appear to recruit well from the local area. This decision not only infringes upon our right to use this public space but also contravenes the “right to roam” as set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
Cathkin Park is more than just an open field; it’s an integral part of our community fabric. It provides essential green space in an urban environment and serves as a recreational area for all ages. Parks contribute significantly towards physical health and mental wellbeing.
The club that was given permission to erect a fence has already defied planning permission by erecting a different type of fence that has been locked and locals are already being denied permission to access our space.
We believe that this decision undermines democratic processes and disregards community needs for private interests. We call on Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee to revoke their approval for this unlawful fence at Cathkin Park immediately.”
Recognising the crucial role public parks play in fostering community wellbeing, especially in urban areas where green spaces are scarce, residents emphasise the importance of preserving Cathkin Park for recreational activities, social gatherings and connecting with nature.
Residents have said they are keen to collaborate with both the Glasgow City Council and the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust to ensure that Cathkin Park remains open, accessible, and secure for all.
Although they did not respond to a requests for comment for this article, in a statement released on 12 March, the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust said:
“”We are disappointed by the reaction to Glasgow City Council’s decision to grant planning permission to erect a fence around the existing football pitch situated within Cathkin Park.
Against a backdrop of council cuts and facility closures we anticipated the news of this significant investment in local infrastructure would be welcomed by the wider community.
The permission allows us to erect a fence around a designated existing football pitch which has been subject to well documented misuse and vandalism over the last 15 years. The primary function of the fence is to protect the surface and is in keeping with the majority of surrounding local sports facilities.
We understand the concerns raised and want to reassure the public that the proposal only affects the designated Playing Field Area c.8,971m2, with the wider Public Park and Gardens c.43,748m2 unaffected and fully accessible to the general public.””