URBAN GREENSPACE

What Caused The Decline In Quality And Use Of Urban Greenspace

What Caused The Decline In Quality And Use Of Urban Greenspace

The decline of quality of urban green space back in the 1970's and 1980's was restored as late as 2002 which saw the rise of well-maintained urban parks, recreation grounds and other green spaces was not regarded as a priority and decline in many neighbourhoods set in. But green space makes a vital contribution to the quality of urban life and to the achievement of a range of Government objectives. (Andy Spring Rose 2003 Pp. 90-91)

Access to green space is a powerful weapon in the fight against obesity and ill-health, especially amongst children. Neglected parks seem to attract anti-social behaviour and have the potential to undermine regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods. In growth areas, good quality parks and open spaces are one of the best ways to ensure new communities blend harmoniously with old. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, supported by other Departments, has embarked upon a number of initiatives to raise the profile of green space. It has required local government to approach the planning of urban squares, parks, green corridors and nature reserves in a more comprehensive and strategic manner. It has urged local authorities to improve the quality of their open and green space and set national targets to help achieve this. And it has established a new unit within the Commission for the Built Environment to champion public space, and specifically to develop best practice and provide advice and support to local government on public and green space issues. In October 2002, the Government set out its vision for public space, including its response to the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce's report.8 It stated that parks and green spaces are as much a part of the urban fabric as its buildings. (Andy Spring Rose 2003 Pp. 90-93)

It also made clear that these spaces are vital for a wide range of local and national Government priorities, such as renewal and housing programmes, healthy living and community cohesion. Government set out its commitment to the creation of a network of accessible, high-quality parks and green spaces for all communities. Since then the Government has: ?? Revised planning rules to promote sustainable green spaces in urban developments and called upon local authorities to assess the existing and future needs of their communities for open space, sports and recreational facilities, and to set local standards for the maintenance and adequate supply of facilities. Value for Money Without a strategic approach there is a danger that resources will be targeted badly - for example by making a good park even better at the expense of improving a run down green space in a deprived area that desperately needs improvement. One third of urban local authorities still do not have strategies for their green space and many existing strategies are weak, particularly in identifying costs and demonstrating efficiency. Central government needs to use performance data more methodically to support poorer performing ...