Great parks, great cities The 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 GREEN SPACES 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 CULTURE 70% walk All ages All social groups £600m for 2.5 billion visits FITNESS CULTURE Over 80% drive Pre-dominantly 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 Criteria 1.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 IN HISTORIC PARKS New structures are likely to include: Kiosks & cafes Toilet blocks Playgrounds Visitor centres Community centres Memorial 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. 