Progress to date
The country park will be developed through a series of improvements over the next number of years, leading to new recreation and visitor facilities and infrastructure.
Improvements to repair and replace existing infrastructure, including stone walls and cast iron Victorian railings, took place between 2005 and 2007, and new signs, benches and bins have also started to appear. 2008 saw the first path and entrance improvements.
A new path between Balgraystone Road and Aurs Road was completed in October 2008. The route links Balgraystone Road, opposite the entrance to St. Luke’s High School in Barrhead, to Aurs Road at Ryat Linn Reservoir. The path is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, although access north for horses beyond Aurs Road towards Glasgow is currently restricted by a narrow gate. The route is on level gradient throughout, following the edge of Balgray Reservoir, and provides great views across the water. Two new entrances have been built at Balgraystone Road and Aurs Road, in addition new signage, benches and bins have also been installed.
New entrances have also been constructed at Nitshill Road and Corselet Road, there have been path improvements within Darnley Mill and a vandalised pond dipping platform has been rebuilt. New signage, bins and benches have also been installed at Darnley Mill during 2009 and 2010.
The country park's dedicated countryside ranger service have established a regular programme of walks, events and activities. An environmental education programme has also been established by the countryside ranger service, providing opportunities to local nursery, primary and secondary schools. The quarterly newsletter wagtail not only keeps people up to date with country park news and also doubles as an events calendar.
Finally the most recent initiative linked with the country park is the establishment of the East Renfrewshire Rural Skills Training project. Based at the East Renfrewshire Training Centre at Rouken Glen Park, this two year initiative provides previously unemployed young adults with employment and training experience in practical skills such as path construction and maintenance, tree planting and fencing. The initiative, which recruits trainees from across East Renfrewshire and South Glasgow, carries out most of the maintenance within the country park.