Parks Finally Getting The Space They Deserve

The Civic Trust welcomes the report published this week by ODPM: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee of their report on Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Greener.

Martin Bacon, Chief Executive of the Civic Trust commented: "In the Trust's work over the years on improving the quality of urban life, the importance of green spaces and parks has become an increasing focus.

We worked determinedly to encourage the Government to move on this issue, and we are very pleased that the Government's initiatives are generally endorsed by the Select Committee.

We also agree with the Committee that there is much more to do, and particularly in the areas of civic pride, national indicators and funding.

Civic Pride "We know that there are more than 250 000 individuals - members of the Civic Trust - who care passionately about the standards of maintenance and care of public spaces, including parks.

Much more however needs to be done to convince the wider public of the value of good, well-designed, welcoming public spaces - and to encourage wider community engagement, and pride in local places.

We agree with the Committee that engendering civic pride should be tackled through working closely with organisations with community links National Standards "Our management of the Green Flag Award scheme has shown that there is an increasing awareness of the value of urban parks and green spaces, and of their value in regeneration.

To drive this forward further, we agree that a set of national indicators, measuring parks across the country could act as a spur for improved management and maintenance? "The Green Flag Award could then focus on areas in need of the greatest improvement and inspiration.

Funding "The Urban Design Alliance (of which the Civic Trust is a founder member) developed the Placecheck methodology, a framework for communities to ask questions about their local area, to identify the improvements that are needed, and to encourage various groups to work together.

"One of the lessons learned from the Placecheck process has been the difficulty in accessing cash from local authorities to put changes into practice.

We agree wholeheartedly with the Committee that Government must follow through its responsibility for funding and managing public spaces, and identify a long-term funding programme.".

Back to top