What is the link between access to inclusive and inviting green spaces and our sense of satisfaction or pride in where we live? With the government seeking to boost ‘pride in place’ through improvements to green spaces, I thought I’d share benchmarks in access to parks in cities, towns and neighbourhoods, that might help understand how to increase local satisfaction.
Green space access standards
Government figures at the national level for the percentage of households in England with access to green space, show low levels when pitched against their own exacting standards.
- Doorstep standard –green spaces of at least 0.5 ha within 200 metres: 15%
- Local standard –green spaces of at least 2 ha within 300 metres: 12%
- Neighbourhood standard –green spaces of at least 10 ha within 1 km: 33%
Using the Green Infrastructure Framework
So how does your city, town or neighbourhood compare to these national benchmarks? Handily, last week the Government launched its interactive Green Infrastructure Framework that enables you to map access to the three levels of green space access and define this as deprivation or privilege for neighbourhoods.
I road tested the new interactive Green Infrastructure Framework with Oldham, where The People & Places Partnership Ltd. are currently working with Oldham Council to improve parking and access to the town centre during a wider process or revitalisation. Imaginatively, and unusually within an existing town centre, the Council are currently creating a new linear park that will provide green space and help people move sustainably around town. Using the Framework’s interactive options shows how this linear park is plugging a gap for existing and new homes that might otherwise be considered as deprived of green space.
Qualitative considerations
Of course, not every town or neighbourhood will be able to create new parks in this way and inviting and inclusive green space is about much more than scale and proximity. Indeed, according to a comprehensive and recent review of factors influencing the accessibility and use of urban green spaces globally we need to consider factors such as quality, how green spaces are managed, transport, personal circumstances, socio-cultural influences and psychological factors that influence perceptions.
Use of urban green spaces is also largely determined by who we are. Older individuals may use parks more frequently, whereas younger people tend to engage in more outdoor recreation. Women around the world often have limited access, due to cultural and family responsibilities. Low-income and minority groups have less access to and use of urban green spaces, whereas educated individuals are more likely to use them due to their awareness of the benefits, although they may prefer other recreational activities.
Quality is an important factor in determining the use of green spaces with well-designed landscaping, cleanliness, size, and high-quality services attracting visitors. Different audiences though, will relate to different aspects of park quality. The research shows that females prioritise cleanliness and safety, children are drawn to well-maintained playgrounds and larger spaces, and older adults seek serenity, safety, and amenities such as seating areas.
Green space as part of pride in place
Fortunately, the Government’s pride in place funding recognises such issues and supports investment in thoughtful design features such as seating, signage, public art and lighting to make spaces more inclusive and inviting.
At People & Places, we are able to factor in such considerations about the quantity and quality of greenspaces alongside our established good practice advice for community enterprise and ownership of key assets, and high street and town centre revitalisation. And we recognise that the key to ensuring community satisfaction and increased pride in place, will be working in partnership and making improvements with, not to, the people that live and work in a place.
