Enjoy free outdoor recreation with children's play areas, a pump track, and football pitches in this historic Johnstone park.

Thomas Shanks Park is a historic public park located in Johnstone, named after a 19th-century industrialist and philanthropist. The park was gifted to the town in 1878 and remains a cherished community space for outdoor recreation. Visitors can take advantage of several amenities including a dedicated children's play area, a pump track for cycling enthusiasts, and two grass football pitches available for booking. The park features level access with tarmac walking paths, though there are some hilly areas within the grounds, making it accessible for families with pushchairs and young children. Open year-round and completely free to visit, Thomas Shanks Park is ideal for families seeking outdoor activities in a green space with historical significance. The combination of play facilities and sports amenities makes it suitable for children of all ages and active families.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

S

steven suttie

a month ago

Brilliant wee find on a whim with the kids. Happened to be in Johnstone and looked up local park, ended up here and the kids loved the variety in the playbacks.

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Andrew Peters

2 months ago

Pleasant. At 30 acres its a decent size park with two football fields, skate section, and lots of play equipment. Personally, I enjoy the outdoor gym. I would like to see a bit more gym equipment. Also has pleasant views of the surrounding Hills.

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Gail Quinn

5 months ago

Love a wee stroll at shanks park it's well kept and nice play are for kids too.

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Karol K

6 months ago

Nice place for a walk

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david campbell

2 years ago

I like the park because it is always kept tidy and clean , I pass through on my way to the Johnstone hub, I don't really visit any other time as I don't have any reason. They have quite a nice looking play area for small children and there are football pitches and I have done a bit of running on the grass round one of the pitches.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026