Alistair Wylie, Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow

As a trustee to greenspace scotland, a devoted dog owner and an avid "outdoor" person, parks are an incredibly important part of my life. I was fortunate to have grown up on the edge of open farmland so having outdoor space literally on my doorstep was always something that, as a child, I took for granted. Fast forward a few decades and, as an adult, having access to park space has taken on a new meaning in recent years. I enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, and having a dog who loves to explore means that no park is off limits. Living to the south of Glasgow, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks. Rouken Glen is our local park and is quite magnificent in terms of its choice of amenity. Although Hugo, my dog, has his favourite route which usually involves a search for squirrels, Rouken Glen offers vast variety. There's all of the usual open park space and grass but also an abundance of woodland walks, the dramatic glens to explore, a wonderful pond with its own islands and swans and even a dramatic waterfall. The different seasons also serve to bring a different feel to the park across the year.

Having lived and worked away from home for extended periods in recent times, and with little access to parks where I was living, I've come to appreciate the importance and benefits of having such open access to park space so close to home. Daily access to a park is definitely good for my health and good for the soul. It's always a part of the day that I look forward to and when you have a dog with you, people always want to talk.

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