News / Bristol Parks Forum
Future vision for Bristol’s parks
Bristol Parks Forum has revealed a long-term vision for improved green spaces that are fully recognised for their value to the city.
The independent campaign group is asking the public for input on draft proposals, under which it hopes to further enhance parks: creating havens for wildlife, hubs for communities and places where heritage can be explored – while maintaining free access to all.
It may not sound like the most ambitious of plans for green spaces, that are already Bristol’s pride and joy, but in the wake of drastic cuts – which have seen the budget slashed by £4.35m since April 2014 to just £1.6m – the need to safeguard parks has never been so keenly felt.
is needed now More than ever
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In its draft document, the forum sets out how parks play a critical role in people’s lives, are an important part of the infrastructure of the city and are proven to improve health and well-being.
The approved vision will influence the work of the Bristol Parks Forum, and the group hopes to engage organisations, communities and businesses, firstly in giving feedback and secondly, in helping to implement the plans.
The vision is for Bristol’s green spaces to be improved and accessible for all
The document states that in 2030, Bristol’s parks should be:
- Outstanding in the South West of England in terms of quantity and quality.
- Available to everyone in all areas of the city.
- Enhancing the physical and mental health and well-being of people.
- Hubs of activity for local communities, where people are empowered.
- Free to access for everyone.
- Recognised for their value to the city.
- Places where wildlife thrives.
- Places where heritage can be explored.
It also sets out how this vision could be achieved, with measures that include protecting parks from inappropriate use, encouraging wider participation in parks, collaboration and campaigning for a legal duty to ensure spaces are managed to a good standard.
Mark Logan, chair of Bristol Parks Forum said: “The draft vision is written to make people look forward into a world which could be different than it is now. We cannot just think of where we are now as being the future; but look forward to a time where parks and green spaces are recognised fully for their value to the city and are better than they are now.
“We hope that park and green space users, businesses, organisations, voluntary groups, elected representatives and members of the public in Bristol will spend some time looking at the vision and let us have their views.”
People are asked to give their views on the draft vision, say if they think anything should be added or changed and give any further comments.
Parks are Bristol’s pride and joy
The Parks Forum is asking for responses by midnight on Thursday, October 18 so that feedback can be analysed before the AGM on October 20, when it is likely to be finialised.
The draft vision and details of how to reply can be found via: www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/vision
Read more: ‘Innovative solutions needed for Bristol’s parks’
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