Richard’s heading for pastures new
Castlemilk Park’s community woodland officer is set to say a fond farewell to the woodland area.
Richard Bolton will leave at the end of this month to take on new challenges, having worked for Cassiltoun Housing Association for the past six years.
In his time at the park he has spearheaded several new initiatives and groups, from pumpkin festivals to archeological digs, community days and history groups, helping the park grow in popularity.
He said: “It’s going to be very strange to leave.
“I think it’s time for a new challenge. I’ll be sad to go but it is time to pass the baton to someone else.
“The organisation has been great over the years and it’s been a real pleasure to work here.
“I didn’t have a background working with housing associations but they have transformed the woodlands.
“When I started people said there was no point in doing anything with the park and I think there was a lot of apathy about it.
“You just expected to see litter and things like that around the place and no-one felt things would change.
“I’d see all my posters for events ripped down straight away but would just put them back up – that doesn’t happen now.
“Now you see people in the park walking around and playing there regularly.”
Richard believes the regular events held by Cassiltoun have made a difference.
He said: “Things like the pumpkin festival every Halloween have been enjoyable.
“Last year we had 1,300 people over the four days and you had people coming along, carving their pumpkin and then getting excited when spotting their pumpkin in the festival itself.
“I’ve really enjoyed the health walks, from April to September every year.
“We broke the 1,000mile mark this year and it’s just great seeing people discover the walking, or having all these interesting people come to speak at the history group.
“I’m sure I’ll be back to the park because it’s so beautiful, a hidden treasure.”
Clair Malpas, regeneration manager at Cassiltoun Housing Association, said: “Over the past six years the woodlands has undergone a massive transformation and has become a place that is well used and loved by local people.
“It has delivered significant benefits with increased access to greenspace for recreation and new employment and training opportunities.
“There is still work to be done and Cassiltoun will continue to work with our funders and partners to build on the successes of the past few years.”