With help by local residents, this restoration of a natural playspace encouraged local people to make more use of their local area. This case study was originally written in 2017 to document the community engagement work and funding from Stalled Spaces Scotland.
Background
Stalled Spaces Scotland funded a restoration of a natural playspace on the West Highland Way, led by Milngavie Community Council. Designed by local residents and commissioned by East Dunbartonshire Council, the project encouraged local people to use a once overgrown space through good practice in community engagement.

Dating from the 1970s, the space is at the back of Milngavie Library and Community Education Centre. The community council followed other projects online, as well as looking at projects created in Glasgow, to see what might be supported.
Funding
The Treasurer of Milngavie Community Council made the funding application. Later, they received support from the resource generation officer at East Dunbartonshire Council. They made site visits, and spent time advising on the paperwork required for the funding application. They received an award of £3,000. More information is available in the full report.
Quotes
‘It’s next to a very well-used path, and one of the older gentlemen was saying it would be good to have a seat here. It’s great to get the feedback just from someone walking by’
Marianne Prentice, Milngavie Community Council.
Further Information
Stalled Sties Scotland Project
Glasgow City Council Presentation from Stalled Spaces Scotland Surgeries
Glasgow City Council Stalled Spaces Information
CSGN Stalled Spaces Glasgow Case Study
About A&DS Case Studies
Our case studies series shows the benefits of good design in Scotland’s built environment. We highlight the processes behind our built environment as well as the finished result, to grow our collective understanding of good design practice. More of our case studies are available here. We want to build this resource, so if you have a question or comment about our Case Studies series, email us at info@ads.org.uk.
[Last updated: 17th of April, 2020]