As part of the MyParkScotland launch Project Manager Ian Goodman was one of 2 intrepid cyclists. His challenge was to visit 42 parks across Glasgow by bike.

Here he tells us how he got on…

So the challenge of visiting 42 seemed an achievable goal as the planned route was just over 40 miles which seemed ok first thing on the morning of the cycle. At this point I should confess that I did not make it all 42 planned parks, this was in the main due to enjoying the time I spent with Friends Groups and others enjoying the wide range of activities taking place in the parks of Glasgow.

The cycle started at Cathkin Braes which has the distinction of being Glasgow’s highest park but also one of the most southerly so meant a long cycle to the next parks. Then working through parks on the southside stopping only briefly to get to meet up with the Friends of Rosshall Park and Gardens. Although a little late I spent a great half an hour with the enthusiastic group being shown how to play frisby golf as well as learning about the heritage walk within the park. Recommend for a visit and I ‘ll be going back for a full game in the near future.

Leaving Roshall time was against me so I have to admit that this is the first point at which I had to miss some parks out to get to Elder Park for midday. Arriving at the park it was great to see the park buzzing with lots of people taking part in a childrens football tournament with those not playing enjoying the bouncy castles and other activities. Once the Friends of Elder Park were located I was shown the work they were doing in sewing new seeds in the park and felt like I was able to help out with the donation of some Grow Wild seed packets.

Crossing the river to the north side of the river for the afternoon I headed towards Hayburn Park. The Hayburn Park Play Association have ambitious plans for the park and their Mini-Orchard project is one of the first to be featured on MyParkScotland. Spirits were lifted when I was met by members of the Association along with a MyParkScotland cake!! Delicious.

It was then on to the Botanic Gardens for a drop-in Tai Chi session. The half hour session kindly run by Alan Skirving was an excellent way to relax before getting back on the bike.

The final meeting point was at Springburn Park with Gate Open who were running All Eyes Wide event, listen Kim Simpson the producer of producer talk about the community project in and around Springburn Park.

Leaving Springburn Park there were another 12 parks to visit before passing through Glasgow Green which I discovered was Glasgows oldest park and finishing up at George Square. .

It was fantastic to see the range of things available to do in the variety of parks across Glasgow as well as the number of people out in the parks.

Take a look at the projects on MyParkScotland looking for support and get out in to the parks and do your own  #myparkexplore.