A frosty day in December

Welcome to our first issue of the Rouken Reporter, the brand new newsletter for Rouken Glen Park.

In this issue: ~ Opening Note - Councillor Waters ~ Meet the new staff ~ Is your dog under control? ~ Electric Glen ~ Park Improvement Updates ~ Events Calendar & Contact Information

The next issue of Rouken Reporter will be out in May 2013.

‘Hello, I am delighted to introduce the Rouken Reporter, the new Rouken Glen newsletter.

‘This is a very exciting time for Rouken Glen Park, with lots of changes taking place over the next few years thanks to the HLF and Council funding that will restore the park to its former glory, ensuring a quality visitor experience for present and future generations to enjoy.

‘I would like to encourage you to get out in the fresh air and explore Rouken Glen, whether you’re walking the dog, going for a stroll or taking part in some of the exciting new activities that are being lined up by the new Park Activity Staff.

‘So, on behalf of East Renfrewshire Council, may I present to you...the Rouken Reporter.’

Councillor Vincent Waters—Tel: 07703 88 71 70

Opening note - Councillor Waters

All the latest news and events from Rouken Glen Park.

Meet Rouken Glen Park’s newest staff members As part of Rouken Glen Park’s Heritage Lottery Funded Project, East Renfrewshire Council is pleased to welcome the park’s newest members of staff, Susan McNaughton and Kate Williamson. Susan and Kate will be working together to design and implement a programme of activities and events within the park over the next few years.

Susan McNaughton Activity Project Officer

My name is Susan McNaughton, and I am the new ‘Activity Project Officer’ at Rouken Glen. I have been working in East Renfrewshire for a couple of years now, but am very excited to get started in the park. It’s such a beautiful place: when you’re down in the Glen, or up in the high fields, it almost feels like you’ve escaped the city!

My role is to develop a programme of fun and enriching activities and events, with the aim of increasing volunteering and training opportunities available to the public, and ensuring that everyone in our community feels welcome to participate. The activities will cover a wide range of themes, including: conservation, archaeology, geology, arts, music, healthy living, and family-fun days, to name but a few.

Kate Williamson Activity Park Ranger

Hello, my name is Kate Williamson and I am the new ‘Activity Park Ranger’ at Rouken Glen. I started this post at the beginning of December 2012, fresh faced from my Natural Communities Traineeship with The Conservation Volunteers. My role was a Community Support Ranger with Stirling Council Ranger Service. I also worked for East Renfrewshire Council as an Intern Ranger at Dams to Darnley Country Park for a few months in 2011.

My role as a Ranger is to assist Susan in the development of new activities and events in the park and to implement these as part of a scheduled programme throughout the year. I am really looking forward to running a wide variety of activities throughout the year, from nature-themed events for all the family, to the rewarding volunteer action days.

Rouken Glen Park is a great place for dogs and their owners. Dog walking is one of the most popular reasons for users visiting the park. But how much do you know about your Access Rights and Responsibilities whilst walking your dog in the park? Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, in public places such as Rouken Glen Park you are required to:

Keep your dog on a short lead or under close control and avoid causing concern to others, especially those who fear or are nervous around dogs. Out of control dogs can also disturb wildlife.

Always pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste carefully, even if you’re walking in some of the wilder areas of the park.

Rouken Glen Park exists for the enjoyment of all visitors. Please respect the access rights of other park users.

For more information about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code visit: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Is your dog under control?

Rouken Glen Park is all set to come alive after dark from February 14-17, when a specially

designed illuminated trail will turn part of the park ‘electric’, treating visitors to a dazzling

night time experience. Electric Glen will showcase the diverse natural beauty of the park

at night.

Catch up on all the latest news and updates by visiting - www.electricglen.co.uk ‘Like’ Electric Glen on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ElectricGlen Follow Electric Glen on Twitter - @elecglen

Electric Glen Event - 14-17 February 2013

Park Improvement Updates

If you’ve visited Rouken Glen lately you may have noticed some changes taking place throughout the park. Thanks to the £2.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1m from East Renfrewshire Council, a number of major improvements will take place in the park starting with:

Lighting The installation of high-quality path lighting is underway between the Main Entrance car park and the East Lodge car park, passing in front of the Pavilion. These lighting improvements are being carried out in conjunction with the refurbishment of the Pavilion, and will make it brighter and safer for members of the public to visit the area during the evenings and winter. The lighting will be turned on in conjunction with the early summer re-opening of the Pavilion in 2013.

Skate-park Improvements Due to popular demand, two pieces of equipment will be added to the skate-park; a 1 metre extension of one of the existing ramps, and a new 5 metre grind-rail. These will be in place by mid-February.

Pavilion Refurbishment A major refurbishment of the Pavilion will be taking place over the next few months and this will mean that the building, including the toilets, will be closed to the public. The works will include a new roof, new windows, new entrance, and improvements for disabled access, two new inside toilets and a full redecoration of the property. The plan is that the Pavilion will become more of a ‘hub’ in the park for exhibitions, events and activities. Make a note in your diary to visit the new Pavilion when it re-opens in time for the summer holidays!

Boating Pond Plans are afoot to improve the water quality of the pond and remove the weeds and algae. Experts will be carrying out further water testing over the coming months before physical improvement works start.

Events and Activities The HLF Activities Officer and Ranger are working hard to plan and organise a schedule of upcoming events and activities for the park for the coming year. Details for some upcoming events can be found overleaf. Keep your eyes peeled for an events calendar in the near future. Keep checking the website, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date information.

Other projects: Basketball Area A new basketball practice area will be located between the East Lodge car park and the skate-park. This will consist of a 16x8 metre tarmac court set back from the path with one hoop at one end. The basketball court is projected to be completed by March. Funding for the basketball court comes courtesy of the Local Area Forum.

Please note that during the course of the Heritage Lottery Funded improvement project, there will be restricted access to certain paths during works. The first path closure will include the main path from the East Lodge Car Park to the Pavilion, and restricted access to associated paths around the Pavilion area as these are required for works access whilst the Pavilion is under refurbishment.

During the Pavilion refurbishment, the Park Rangers will be temporarily relocated to the terraced Lodge House, located between the Main Entrance Car Park and the Pavilion.

To keep up-to-date with all the HLF Project news and path closures, please visit - www.roukenglenpark.co.uk

Pavilion front elevation sketch

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To join our mailing list, post or email your details to the address below.

Rouken Glen Park

Upcoming Events and Activities Spring 2013

Key: DateTime ContactLocation

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Always wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Booking is essential unless otherwise stated. All events are FREE unless otherwise stated.

Contact Information: Email: rgv@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0141 577 3912 Web: www.roukenglenpark.co.uk

facebook.com/RoukenGlenPark @RoukenGlenPark

Post: Rouken Glen Park, East Renfrewshire Council, Environment Department, Thornliebank Depot, 190 Carnwadric Road, Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire G46 8HR

Druids of Caledon - Imbolc Sun 3 Feb 12-4pm 0141 577 3912 Pavilion, Rouken Glen Park Join the Druids of Caledon in their celebration of Imbolc - translated as ‘In the Belly’. Meet at 12pm at the Rouken Glen Pavilion. No booking required.

Electric Glen Lighting Festival Thu 14 - Sun 17 Feb 5.30pm - 8.30pm 01665 833751 Rouken Glen Park Come along and explore the park’s hidden night-time beauty brought to life through the medium of light. A unique experience not to be missed. For ticket pricing and booking information, go to: www.electricglen.co.uk

Druids of Caledon - Alban Eilir Sun 24 March 12-4pm 0141 577 3912 Druid Circle, Rouken Glen Park Join the Druids of Caledon in their celebration of the Spring Equinox. Meet at 12pm at the West Lodge House near the Car Park, or alternatively at the Druid Circle, west of the Waterfall. No booking required.

National Spring Clean Fri 5—Sat 6 April 10.00am - 3.00pm

0141 577 3912 Rouken Glen Park Rouken Glen Park is having a Spring Clean as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s National Spring Clean Campaign. Come along and do your bit to help tidy up your favourite Urban Park.

Rouken Glen Highland Games Sat 20 April 12.00am - 5.00pm 0141 577 4854 Events Area, Rouken Glen Park Come along to the first National Highland Games of the season. Lots of swirling kilts, beautiful elegant dancers and great big strong men, arts & craft fair, children's entertainment, Eco-Village & lots more! This is a free event, so don your kilt and bring the whole family!

Rouken Glen Park Activities and Events

The events listed in this first issue of Rouken Reporter are all pre-planned before printing. The new HLF Activities Staff are working hard to produce a comprehensive programme of events and activities for the park for the rest of 2013, and as such there may be some extra activities scheduled which have not been included in this edition. Such activities will include volunteering and training opportunities. Keep up-to-date with the latest planned activities and events by checking the Rouken Glen Website and Social Media listed at the bottom of this page. Please also feel free to contact us for further information.

The new HLF Activity Staff will be planning a series of events and activities throughout the year. If you would like to receive an electronic copy of our newsletter and upcoming events calendar, please join our mailing list.

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