Great parks, great cities The decline and renewal of the urban park tradition in the UK, and beyond....
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Transcript of Great parks, great cities The decline and renewal of the urban park tradition in the UK, and beyond....
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
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
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.