Queen's Park: George Rickey sculpture reportedly damaged after locals rush to frozen pond

Residents on social media have claimed that the artwork, which is normally surrounded by pond water, has been damaged after it was made fully accessible by the Queen's Park pond freezing over. 

READ MORE: Queen's Park frozen pond: Skaters show off their skills in Glasgow's South Side

The frozen pond became a temporary landmark in the South Side over the past week, with locals coming out to try out their skating skills.

However, there have been reports of people sitting on the sculpture, as well children playing and bouncing on it. 

Local councillor Soryia Siddique, said: "I have been contacted by constituents raising concerns that the George Rickey sculpture has been damaged. I have raised this with neighbourhoods and sustainability and requested an assessment of the damage with a view to it being repaired.

"It would also be advantageous for warning signs to be placed in appropriate places."

The sculpture, by American artist George Rickey, was installed in the park less than one month ago. 

Glasgow City Council also cleared the pond of ice this morning after a 12-year-old boy fell through yesterday afternoon, with the council also placing 'thin ice' signs around the pond as the ice begins to thaw.

READ MORE: Queen's Park frozen pond: Glasgow City Council break up ice at park

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We are aware that local residents are expressing concern about the sculpture, but nothing was reported to us directly. We have also seen images of people sitting, standing and playing on the sculpture and we want to check its condition as soon as possible.

“At this stage, however, the ice across the pond means that our staff cannot safely access the sculpture to establish whether it has been damaged or not. A proper assessment will be undertaken once the ice has thawed and staff can reach the sculpture safely.

“Despite signs warning of thin ice on the pond and a police presence at the park, people have continued to go onto the ice, which is clearly a cause for concern.

"To guard against a risk to safety and to prevent people from going on to the ice, we have now broken up ice around the pond’s edge.”