In April 2014, Glen Gardens was left permanently open as the Council decided that it could no longer afford to lock and unlock the parks.

The Council held a public meeting in the Church Hall to see if the community would be willing to take on the responsibility for the locking and unlocking of the gates. Discussions took place on the formation of “Friends of” group, and possible ideas for the Gardens’ 100th Birthday on 2nd June 2015.
 
The Friends of Glen Gardens was formed at a Public Meeting on 29th January 2015 where real support was reported for the locking and unlocking of the Gardens and it was confirmed that the 100th Birthday would be celebrated by a “Summer Fair”.  A Committee was formed and regular meetings took place organising this, our first event, which was opened by the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Sonja Crisp.
 
Since then, there have been many other developments and events including the gardening groups, afternoon tea at the Kiosk, the Scarecrow Festival, the lighting of the beacon for the Queen’s birthday and, of course, our annual Summer Fair, which raises money for the upkeep of the Gardens.
 
With the Council limiting the work that is being done in all of the City’s public areas, and in order for us to be able to continue to keep the Glen Gardens safe, clean and looking beautiful, we need people to join Friends of Glen Gardens and volunteer to help in any of the various groups currently working in the park.