The green infrastructure was led by Southside Housing Association, with support from a range of funders to deliver the £2.2 million project.

The main work on the Park was completed just before the first lock down, with some additional planting taking place earlier this year. The Park which sits to the south of the Moss Heights flats has transformed the area by introducing a toddler play space, community and games zone, natural and adventure play area, additional trees and shrubs, seating, improved pedestrian access through the site, and the creation of ‘homezones’ to allow children to play safely and away from vehicles.

Local resident and chairperson of the Friends of the Halfway Community Park, Alison Devlin, said: “It’s great to see the Park in use by kids and their families.  It’s hard to remember that not so long ago there was no play equipment and the cars dominated the space around the flats. It feels so much safer and welcoming now”.

At a celebratory event to mark the opening of the project on Saturday 2nd October 2021, Pauline Fletcher, community programmes manager at Southside Housing Association, added: “The Park was like a lifeline during the last 18 months with so many restrictions on normal life. It offered space to play and meet others safely. We’re delighted to finally celebrate the Park alongside the community. Despite the rain families came along and enjoyed games, food, face painting and entertainment.”

The event also saw the launch of Govan Community Project’s new bike library, which will support the community to embrace cycling.

Southside Housing Association invested £500,000 in the project, however significant work went into securing funds from other partners and funders.

The project is part of a major £37.5m Scottish programme of projects to improve the urban environment of larger towns and cities.

The Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention led by NatureScot and part funded through the European Regional Development Fund has contributed £893,000 towards the project.

Arthur Keller, head of structural funds at NatureScot, commented: “We are delighted that the ERDF Green Infrastructure Fund was able to support the creation of the Halfway Community Park, which was led by Southside Housing Association. The pandemic has demonstrated clearly how important a nature-rich environment and good greenspaces are for everyone. The green infrastructure created at Moss Heights has already proved extremely popular, and will be an asset for the local community and nature for many years to come.”

Glasgow City Council has also been a key partner through the City Deal backed Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP), contributing £673,200 towards the introduction of raingardens, which are part of a wider initiative to reduce flood risk in Hillington and Cardonald.

Councillor Kenny McLean, convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “Halfway Community Park is a fantastic infrastructure project which has completely transformed a previously underused area of urban greenspace for the benefit and enjoyment of local people. As part of the Glasgow City Deal funded Surface Water Management Plan for Hillington and Cardonald - integrating drainage interventions with landscape enhancements will reduce flood risk and open up new possibilities for further regeneration in the area.”

WREN a not for profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund have contributed £100,000 towards the natural and adventure play project within the Park.

ENV2 Funds of £34,000 (contractor contributions held by Glasgow City Council) have also contributed towards play equipment. Avondale Environmental, part of the NPL Group, through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund have contributed £20,000 towards the creation of the Moss Heights Avenue toddler play project within the Park. The Glasgow Tree Lovers’ Society have made a valuable contribution of £2,500 towards the planting of around 100 trees across the site.

With funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Southside Housing Association will soon employ an Outdoor Activity and Well-being Officer to support the involvement of communities at the Halfway Community Park and at nearby Queensland court in Gardens.