Thousands set to benefit from new pocket parks

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has launched a new £1.35 million fund to provide thousands of people across the country with new pocket parks or the revival of rundown green spaces.

Jenrick has opened bidding for the pocket parks programme, of up to £15,000 each, which helps support communities to transform unloved, neglected or derelict urban spaces into new green spaces. The announcement means that community groups can now bid for new parks or reimagined spaces that will be used for everything from children’s play areas, to vegetable patches and community events, benefiting the mental and physical health of people who use them.

Jenrick said: “We want to improve the mental and physical health of local people by providing a sustainable and affordable sanctuary away from the hustle of urban life. That’s why we have launched this fund to encourage projects led by community groups to renovate parks and encourage community activities of all kinds.

“Establishing more pocket parks is part of our wider ambition to ensure that communities have a real sense of identity and place, and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy green spaces nearby. This government is determined to protect our nation’s parks for future generations to enjoy.”

Parks Minister Lord Younger added: “Parks and green spaces are a key asset in towns and cities up and down the country and provide great value to our communities. The pocket parks programme has seen great success in supporting community-led groups to take over neglected and derelict spaces for the whole community to use.

“Our ambition is to extend its transformative effect with a further round of the pocket parks programme and ensure parks and green spaces remain at the heart of our communities. It is now for community-led organisations to take the lead and encourage everyone to apply.”

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:  ”The LGA has long made the case for the importance of green and outdoor spaces for people’s health and well-being. In the face of the current childhood obesity epidemic, green spaces are a key resource which are enjoyed by people of all ages across the country, and sit at the heart of local communities.

”However, it is important that councils can maintain their core leisure and green spaces so our residents can keep active, host community events, and enjoy top-quality, safe, children’s play areas, all of which benefit the mental and physical health of people who use them. It is therefore important that the government provides long-term, sustainable funding so they can continue to provide excellent services for their residents, including green spaces.”