The park is ours — and it's coming back to life
Gartcosh Memorial Park is owned by the community, through Gartcosh Development Trust. After the play equipment was condemned and the park fell into disrepair, the Trust stepped in to buy the land and bring it back into use.
What's been done — Phase 1 (2025)
Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Town Centre Fund (managed by North Lanarkshire Council) and our community Crowdfunder campaign, Phase 1 is complete:
- New play equipment — swings and climbing structures for local children
- Better drainage, so the park stays usable all year round
- New pathways, making the whole park easier to get around
- Green spaces and seating for families, dog walkers and nature lovers
A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered — cleaning up, spreading path materials and tidying the lane.
What's next — Phase 2
Phase 2 will bring additional play facilities, improved access, more seating and landscaping. Volunteer days will be announced as work begins — sign up for volunteer updates.
How we got here
The park and its green space were supported by North Lanarkshire Council for over 60 years, until it emerged the land belonged to Tata Steel. The Council declined to take the land on, so Gartcosh Tenants & Residents Association traced the title deeds and opened talks with Tata Steel. Ownership then transferred to the Trust as a community asset, and in October 2024 the purchase completed — securing the park for Gartcosh for good. We're grateful to the GTRA for their work in making it happen.