A former council depot site in Elder Park is set to be leased to a charity that has plans for an outdoor learning area with play equipment.
Council officials will start negotiations on a deal for the land around the old parks depot in Govan Road if councilors give their approval this week.
Under the plan, Glasgow City Mission, a Christian charity that helps homeless and disadvantaged people, would create a learning space to “encourage children to interact with the outside environment”.
READ MORE: Glasgow sports grounds could be handed over to community groups
It is being considered as part of the People Make Glasgow Communities scheme, which gives third sector and community groups the opportunity to run places.
Glasgow City Mission already has permission to use a smaller area of land, adjacent to the depot site, for 12 months and is now looking to lease the larger area. Council officials reported that the ground is “currently closed to the public and is in a state of aimless neglect”.
“The Elder Park depot and surrounding lands within the depot’s boundaries have been closed for several years,” a report added. “The land is owned by Glasgow City Council but not maintained, and the site is managed by City Property.”
The charity has been supporting vulnerable people in Glasgow for almost 200 years and has run a Children and Family Center in Govan since 1987. It includes a pre-school crèche, parent and toddler groups, support classes and family counseling and after-school and holiday clubs. .
Glasgow City Mission also has a day centre, working with adults affected by homelessness, poverty and addiction, and an overnight drop-in center offering emergency shelter and relocation support to people with risk of homelessness during the winter.
The council’s report added: ‘Elder Park is near the Mission’s Children and Family Center and during the pandemic has used the park for many of their outdoor activities; in addition, their daycare children frequently use the space.
Get all the latest Glasgow news and headlines straight to your inbox twice a day by signing up to our free newsletter.
From breaking news to breaking news on the coronavirus crisis in Scotland, we’ve got you covered.
The morning newsletter arrives before 9 a.m. daily and the evening newsletter, hand-curated by the team, is sent between 4 and 5 p.m., giving you an overview of the most important stories we covered that day.
To register, simply enter your email address in this link here.
“His proposal for the depot site expands its offering to the local community through the creation of an outdoor learning space. This would include play equipment that uses natural resources, such as wood and trees, to encourage children to interact with the outdoor environment.
“A small-scale storage unit, an outhouse for children and a suitable outdoor shelter will also be provided.”
The charity intends to apply for funding and plans to appeal for funds to cover the costs of any work required on the site.
