Friends of Newlands Park

What’s been happening in Newlands Park?

The park has an autumnal feel to it already, and the trees will soon be turning, but we are still looking forward to a few more days of summer, not least the annual Newlands Fete.

We also have lots of good news to share about the playpark and other improvements, so read on!

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Picnic tables

We are thrilled that our new picnic tables have arrived!

Picnic tables were one of the most frequently suggested items when we surveyed people last year on what facilities they wanted to see in the park, and Friends of Newlands Park volunteers worked hard to make it happen, agreeing with the council on acceptable locations and specifications. Special thanks to volunteers George and Dave for all their hard work in getting the site ready for installation and for varnishing them.

The picnic tables were made possible by numerous small donations from many parkgoers, and a substantial donation from Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre

We hope you enjoy using them. Please treat them with respect so we can all enjoy them for many years.

We have apples on our apple trees, and blackberries on our brambles!

There are two species of apple trees on the slope near the playground, malus domestica spartan (an eating apple that turns dark red when ripe) and malus floribunda (Japanese crab apple: tiny decorative apples, not suitable for eating). Having only planted them in March, right at the end of the tree planting season, we didn’t expect to get a harvest this year. There are only a few eating apples and they are not quite ready yet, but we are keeping an eye on them.

The brambles can be found in a few places around the park, and they are ripening nicely. They make a lovely snack but if you do pick some just take a handful and be sure to leave some for others.

Gardening volunteers group – rose beds and rhodies

These photos show the repair and replanting of the rhododendron bed that was destroyed by a pile of wood chippings and ‘during and after’ of the thistle invaded rose bed – many volunteer hours were needed to get it to this much improved state! The rose bed is a bit depleted looking, sadly Glasgow City Council no longer maintain or re-stock the flower beds, so the work of Friends of Newlands Park is essential for the upkeep of the park.

We are keen to welcome new volunteers, so do get in touch if you would like to help out. There’s a regular Wednesday morning gardening group, and an occasional ‘Saturday Hit Squad’. There’s no need to a regular commitment, just join us when you can. Some people even prefer to ‘adopt a bed’ and just work away on their own when they have a spare hour.

Want to volunteer? Sign up here!

Newlands Community Fête

The annual Newlands Community fête will take place on Saturday 5^th September from 2pm – 4pm.  The Scouts and Guides will be running their usual fund-raising stalls and several charities will be there too.

Friends of Newlands Park will be exhibiting, and we look forward to meeting you and finding out what you think of our park and what improvements you would like to see.

Newlands Park Community Tennis Centre will be offering free tennis sessions too, for families (with children aged 3-15) and for young adults (16-26). Find out more and book your session here.

And finally…playpark upgrade

We are delighted to be able to share the news that Newlands Park has been awarded funding from Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhood Improvement Infrastructure Fund for new play equipment. Friends of Newlands Park volunteers recently met with a landscape technician from GCC to discuss options and passed on some of the suggestions we have received from parkgoers for new accessible play equipment that would be suitable for primary school aged children. It will take a while before the work starts, but we are hopeful that we will soon have an exciting, updated and inclusive play space for the community.

Every donation counts

Even a pound or two can make a difference. We rely on donations & grants to fund activities and infrastructure projects that benefit all users of Newlands Park. All donations are gratefully received. Make an on-line donation here, or email us contact@friendsofnewlandspark.org for other ways to donate.