A part of a popular park near Glasgow has been shut down due to a fire. The picnic benches at Rouken Glen Park got taped off after a blaze destroyed one last weekend. Officials of the park said the fire happened between the evening of May 3 and the morning of May 4. They also mentioned that nearby fencing got damaged during the incident. Park officials condemned the ‘senseless vandalism’ and expressed their deep disappointment. In a statement posted on Rouken Glen Park’s Facebook page, it was highlighted that fixing this area would be at a ‘significant and unnecessary expense’ to East Renfrewshire Council.
“We were really bummed out to see this mindless fire incident in the park last weekend. These actions not only mess up our public spaces but also put the safety of park visitors, staff, and wildlife at risk. This senseless vandalism undermines the hard work of park employees who bust their butts to maintain and enhance these areas for everyone’s enjoyment and will cost a pretty penny to the council for no good reason,” the statement read.
“The incident went down between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and has been reported to the cops. If you have any info on what went down, please hit up Police Scotland on 101. The damaged area will be off-limits to the public until repairs are done.”
A spokesperson from Police Scotland mentioned, “Around 1 pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, we got word of a fire at Rouken Glen Park that reportedly happened over the weekend. Thankfully, no one got hurt. We’re still investigating.”
The closure of the affected area in Rouken Glen Park has left many visitors disappointed. Some regulars expressed their frustration on social media, questioning the motive behind such destructive behavior. One local resident, who frequents the park for walks with their dog, shared, “I can’t believe someone would do this. It’s such a shame that we can’t enjoy that part of the park now. Really makes you wonder what goes through people’s minds.”
The community is now rallying together to support the park authorities in repairing the damage and ensuring the safety of the park for everyone. Local businesses have offered to donate towards the restoration efforts, showing solidarity in the face of adversity.
The closure of the fire-damaged area serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving public spaces and the need for vigilance against acts of vandalism. Park officials are urging visitors to report any suspicious activities in the park to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
As the investigation into the fire continues, authorities are hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. In the meantime, efforts to restore the affected area in Rouken Glen Park are underway, with a focus on ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all park visitors.
