Great parks, great citiesThe decline and

renewal of the urban

park tradition in the

UK, and beyond.

Ken Worpole

University of Greenwich

19 October 2005

Park Life & People, Parks & Cities

The report ‘Park Life’ (1995) was described as ‘a report which will change for ever the way we thinks about parks.’

A collaboration between two think-tanks: Comedia & Demos.

Inspired setting up of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Public Parks Initiative’.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

(Based on 1000 interviews and analysis of 10,000 users)

Most people visit parks in company of others

70% walk to parks

40% claimed to use their local park every day

1 dog for every 8 people

Slightly more men than women

Many more people use parks than policy-makers and providers realise

A wider cross-section of users than most other leisure facilities.

THE URBAN GREENSPACES TASK FORCE (2002)

Over 30 million people in England (70%) use parks frequently. 2 billion annual visits.

Decrease in quality; poor public image

Public spending favours indoor over outdoor leisure

Work in partnership with communities

Develop Green Flag Award Establish national agency

TYPOLOGY OF GREEN SPACES

• Parks & urban gardens• Play parks• Housing amenity land• Sports grounds• Allotments & community

gardens• City farms• Cemeteries• Commons & woodlands• Canal paths & linear parks• Civic squares/ornamental

gardens

THE TWO CULTURES OF LEISURE(From Greener Spaces, Better Places)

Spending on ‘Urban parks and open spaces’ dropped from 44% of local authority spending in 1976/77 to 31% of spending in 1998/99.

Spending on Country parks, nature reserves and tourism increased from 7% to 17%.

THE TWO CULTURES OF LEISURE(From Greener Spaces, Better Places)

RECREATIONAL CULTURE70% walkAll agesAll social groups£600m for 2.5 billion visits

FITNESS CULTURE

Over 80% drive

Pre-dominantly 18 - 45

Mostly professional users

£400m for 100 million visits

PARKS ARE PLACES FOR EVERYONE

MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF PARKS

MODERN PARKS IN EUROPE

THE GREEN FLAG

Eight Green Flag Criteria1. A welcoming place

2. Healthy, safe & secure

3. Clean and well-maintained

4. Run sustainably

5. Conservation & heritage

6. Community involvement

7. Marketing

8. Management

NEW ARCHITECTURE INHISTORIC PARKS

New structures are likely to include:

Kiosks & cafesToilet blocksPlaygroundsVisitor centresCommunity centresMemorial gardens

THE RISE OF ECOLOGY

CABE Space

Established 2003

Makes the case for parks & public space

Supports local authority strategies

Strengthens & expands Green Flag scheme

Acts as advocacy &research agency

FUTURE STRATEGIC GOALS Parks make town and cities -

vital to urban and social renewa.l

More socially inclusive and healthier than indoor leisure.

Many other government objectives - community development, child-friendly culture, improved healt, environmental sustainability - can be achieved through investment in parks.

Good design is vital - and so is adequate revenue funding for maintenance.

Greater typological diversity.