Many features of the Park are different to how Sir Joseph Paxton designed them in the 1860s. Some areas, such as the Rockery and the Southwest Lodge, have been removed completely. There are features that were added in the years since the Park first opened but have not survived, such as the bandstand. Other parts have changed to better suit the needs of the community.
Unlike most other parks built around this time, Baxter Park was not designed based on existing private grounds. For example, Paxton had designed Queen’s Park in Glasgow, which was in the grounds of the historic Camphill Mansion. Baxter Park however, was built on land bought from the Craigie Estate, with the express purpose of designing a ‘People’s Park.’
The 1860 map of the proposed park is effectively a blank canvas. Paxton’s design is outlined in the 1871 map. How do they compare to the version of Baxter Park you are familiar with?
