Elder Park is hidden away in plain sight in an area you probably wouldn't otherwise frequent unless you were local to the Govan/Linthouse/Drumoyne vicinity. Until I changed job locations to the Govan area I would never have been here or even known about this park which is a shame, then again maybe it is because this feels like a park very similar to Alexandra Park in Dennistoun in that it is a local park for local people (we'll have no trouble here!) which is the purpose of them isn't it?
Elder Park boasts such delights as a boating pond (no boats to see though, just ducks & the odd swans), 2 play areas with swings, slides & the like (a mini zip slide too!) and also holds some interesting sights one being the statue (and memorial gardens) of the lady who named & granted Elder Park to the people of Govan; Isabella Elder. Before this EP was originally Fairfield Farm. Isabella Elder sounded like one cool lady ~ she was a famous philanthropist of her time & was particularly interested in the education (especially of women) & welfare of the people of Govan. She is worth a look up on Wiki and to this day she should be recognised for the important figure she was in Glasgow's history. Although sadly, like most women History seems to have a great way of sweeping them under the carpet so that we barely hear anything about their great lives & achievements. Sad but true.
Elder Park is quite an open feel park - not many trees but lots of the green green grass (of home) and paths leading various directions. Equally great for walking or cycling around. This place seems to get frequented mostly by dog walkers, local kids & (of course) the odd jakey or junkie; when you spot them that's when you're reminded you're in Govan!
Elder Park makes more pleasant & a nice long cut when walking from Govan Subway to the Southern General Hospital and I must admit I wouldn't walk through this park after dark but then again I wouldn't feel safe walking through ANY park after dark nowadays sadly. During the day this is a very green and pleasant place to be away from the hustle & bustle of busy Glasgow/Govan. This place would be ideal for a game of Rounders, fairs or for multiple picnics/BBQ's in the Summer but I feel that unfortunately because of its location Elder Park misses out on a lot of these things that other parks such as Kelvingrove Park buzz with especially during the balmy Summer days & nights. I got excited last week when I spotted a fun fair had arrived in EP but after only a few days it was gone again...very sad.
If you ever get the chance please take time to visit this park and pay your respects to Isabella Elder & also give her park some well deserved love. read more