A new publication from The Parks Alliance illustrates how parks in England deliver over £6.6bn of health, climate change and environmental benefits each year.
The lockdown has put into sharp focus how critical Parks and green space are to our physical and mental wellbeing. Throughout the year, people have flocked to their local parks to exercise, relax, or just see their neighbours at a safe distance.
The government has committed to a post-pandemic green recovery that addresses the challenges of public health, climate change, and biodiversity. Making Parks Count – The Case for Parks outlines how parks can tackle these 21st century challenges.
The publication was produced by The Parks Alliance (TPA), in conjunction with the Parks Action Group, and was funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Although finalised just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the report makes a compelling business case for why parks should be part of any post-COVID infrastructure investment. It demonstrates how they will provide a significant return on any investment made to kick-start the economy, as well as contribute to a comprehensive, longer-term green recovery.
‘This is the first time that evidence of the proven benefits of parks in England has been brought together and value placed on them at a national level,’ said TPA Chair Matthew Bradbury. ‘We have exposed the magnitude of the true value of parks for decision makers in local and central government and across health and environment sectors.
‘…Over the last decade the quality of parks has fallen, the amount of urban green space reduced, and opportunities for seizing these benefits lost. Ensuring parks are part of the post-COVID kick-start to the economy and the green recovery provide opportunities to turn this around.’
Find out more and read the publication at www.theparksalliance.org.
