Monday September 7th 2026
Croftcroighn Park in Glasgow, one of two parks being considered for a pilot scheme to make the city’s green spaces more family-friendly.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
An appeal for Glasgow to develop more family-friendly parks and green spaces by January has been launched by the depute leader of the city council.
Councillor Ricky Bell, who is expected to become leader of the council at this Thursday’s full council meeting, has submitted a motion to ensure every major park actively welcomes babies, children and young people.
Pilot projects could include Croftcroighn Park and Cranhill Park, which experience some of the highest concentrations of child poverty in the city.
It comes after Glasgow’s participation in the Urban95 programme which challenges cities to ask the question: ‘If you experienced the city from 95cm above the ground, what would you change?’
It recognises that by designing neighbourhoods, transport systems, public spaces and local services from the perspective of babies, young children and their carers can improve outcomes not only for children but for entire communities.
The motion reads: “Council acknowledges that children are among those most affected by decisions about streets, transport and the built environment; that child-friendly neighbourhoods support healthier lifestyles, active travel, social connection, cleaner air, inclusion and community wellbeing; and that planning and transport policy should apply a clear “child lens” to decision-making.
“Council recognises that public authorities should engage meaningfully with children and families, prioritise safe and accessible streets, child friendly public realm and public art, support independent mobility and play, reduce road danger at source, and ensure that children’s rights and experiences are embedded within transport, planning and placemaking decisions.
“Council further recognises that play is not confined to designated playgrounds and that children naturally play in streets, paths, greenspaces, vacant land, housing environments and other informal spaces.
Members will be asked to “recommit” to the 2018 National Position Statement on Outdoor Play and Learning and to make sure playing and learning outdoors is an everyday activity.
Members will be asked to instruct the chief executive and other relevant senior officers to ensure that future regeneration loans are assessed through a child-friendly and family-friendly lens.
They will also be asked to implement a child-friendly neighbourhoods programme, informed by Urban95 to prioritise communities experiencing the highest levels of child poverty and and introduce traffic-calming measures, street greening, improved crossings, seating, temporary public realm improvements, opportunities for informal play and safer walking and wheeling routes for young children and their carers.
Meanwhile the council will develop a Family Friendly Parks Framework for Glasgow’s parks and greenspaces (by Jan 2027), to ensure that every major park contains features that actively welcome babies, children, young people and their families.
A child-friendly public art policy developed by January 2027 will support interactive, playful and accessible installations that encourage exploration, imagination, learning and community pride.
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