Ruchill Park

Ruchill Park (approximately 53 Acres) provides a recreational space for local students who reside at the local halls of residence, dog walkers, joggers, orienteering enthusiasts as well as people who just like to visit and take in the stunning views that can be had from the park's many vantage points.

Where is it?

What can I do there?

The park has a wide variety of facilities to suit all age groups.

• Jogging trails - the extensive grounds attract many joggers and athletes. The park offers several miles of level stretches combined with fierce inclines if required. This combination attracts both individual runners and club runners - most notably Maryhill Harriers and Shettleston Harriers. Several football clubs - professional amateur and junior - hold their pre-season training sessions in the park.
• Play areas - the park has at present three play areas. One at the entrance at Bilsland Drive, another located adjacent to the flagpole and the third at the top of the park, overlooking Firhill Park the home of the world famous Partick Thistle.
• Flowers - the park has many rose and flower beds throughout. There are also many seats with litter bins nearby where you can rest and take in the wonderful views of the park and it surroundings.
• Conservation - there are a number of conservation areas located throughout the park - these contain various wildlife. The deciduous woodland supports a wide range of common woodland birds including blackbird, long-tailed tit, and wren. Tree creepers can sometimes be seen climbing spirally up the tree trunks to feed on insects and spiders.

When is it open?

The park is open at all times.

Ruchill Park Video

History

The park was acquired in 1892 for £35,000 and derives its name from the old house and estate of Ruchill. The house was situated a small distance to the north the park. The park was purchased by the city fathers of the time to give the large working class population who resided in the tenement properties of the North/North West of Glasgow, which had no gardens, a green oasis for leisure and recreation.

Outstanding Features

The Flagpole - from the viewing point at the base of the flagpole you have one of Glasgow's finest viewing points. From this vantage point you have splendid views of Glasgow, as well as a clear view of the Campsie hills to Gleniffer, Cathkins Braes, as well as a wonderful clear view of planes as they descend into Glasgow airport.

Surface Urban Drain System - the park has a Surface Urban Drain System (SUDS) installed. This system manages the rainwater that run off the new housing and school located on the former Ruchill Hospital site. The water from the buildings will be treated on site and then form part of an educational eco system consisting of three ponds within the park.