At the opening of the Park, Sir David Baxter’s ‘most earnest desire [was] that the people should resort to the park, where they will have the advantage of breathing pure air and every facility for healthful and invigorating exercise’, also noting how the scenery could promote tranquillity.
His perception of the role of urban green spaces is one we recognise. Certainly, throughout its life, Baxter Park has provided for all kinds activities. Its large open space below the terrace was planned as an ‘informal pleasure ground’, used for cricket and football matches, bands and fetes as well walks along its pathways. At one point there was even a giant chess board. The southernmost edge of Baxter Park has changed more radically; currently, it features tennis and basketball courts, an outdoor gym and a smaller pavilion building.
The bowling green (now a private club) at the north of the Park was built in 1883, supplemented in the 1890s and 1900’s with three public bowling greens laid out across the south of the Park. Around the same time, a new tennis court was built, its refurbished version still on the same site. The bowling greens were grassed over, but other facilities have been moved or updated, such as the children’s ‘gymnasia’, laid around 1907, now an adventure playground moved next to the new Activity Centre. The Centre is sited on what was the bandstand, built in 1925 and the focus of regular summer shows. The small building by the courts, built in 1937, originally served as a tennis pavilion. It is currently being used to provide youth services.
From its inception, Baxter Park’s facilities have aimed to reflect the interests of its users, encouraging our communities to enjoy being active and heathy.
Dundee City Council (2016) Baxter Park Conservation Area Appraisal
Dundee City Council (1998) Baxter Park Restoration Plan: Consultation Document
Jamieson, F. (1998) Baxter Park Historic Landscape Analysis
Leisure, Arts and Communities (2009) Completion of Baxter Park Restoration Plan
