Maxwell Park

The ground was gifted by Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Nether Pollok in 1888 and the park was formally opened, together with Pollokshields Burgh Hall, in 1890. Being a peat bog, the area was unsuitable for building and a thorough system of drainage created the pond, leading both spring and surface water to the lowest point.
In 1893 a census taken in August showed that 9,500 people entered the park by the various gates between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; and in 1895 it was reckoned that as many as 2,000 people were skating on the frozen pond! Until 1980 the amenities included four tennis courts and a tennis pavilion, a putting green, a drinking well, a children's playground and paddle boats on the pond; of these only the revamped children's play area remains in operation. When it first opened its most popular feature was the boating pond. In 1892 the Maxwell Model Yacht Club complained about the pollution of the pond by oil from the Glasgow South Model Yacht Club's yachts! And even in 1899 a complaint was made about vandalism.

The Hamilton Memorial Fountain and the bandstand were formerly its two most impressive features. Under Glasgow City Council's new strategy it is designated by size and amenity as a 'local' park (the other two categories are 'city' and 'district') and is now maintained by the Land Services department, with facilities under the Culture & Leisure department. Land Services Conservation Section has undertaken a wildlife regeneration programme for a self-sustaining healthy ecology of the algae-dominated pond introducing a central island and diverse planting.

The Hamilton Memorial Fountain.