A ten year plan for parks has been approved by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).
The Parks and Open Spaces Strategy identifies the importance of good quality green space in the district and provides direction for the management of council-owned parks and open spaces for the next decade.
The strategy outlines how parks can be improved and enhanced by working closely with communities, partners and local businesses.
A report to this week’s SLDC Cabinet (Wednesday, 26 June) meeting states: “The district’s parks and open spaces are critical elements of the district’s green infrastructure network which delivers benefits in terms of meeting recreation needs, delivering health and well-being benefits for all ages, reducing pollution, encouraging social interaction, creating biodiversity networks and creating opportunities for active travel.
“Parks and open spaces are also fundamental to the character of our places and the quality of life we offer to existing and future residents.’’
The strategy covers all green spaces managed by the council, made up of 13 principal parks, 11 community parks, 61 children’s playgrounds, eight multi-use games areas (MUGAs), eight cemeteries and 15 woodlands.
It details ways of working with the council’s grounds maintenance contractor, community and partnerships to deliver high quality maintenance and improvements which ensure the green spaces are inclusive and accessible for all.
Over the next 10 years the strategy will ensure the district’s open spaces continue to perform, meet community needs, deliver council values and be resilient to change.
Separate detailed management plans have been created for principal parks, community parks, cemeteries and woodlands.
Proposing the strategy be approved, Customer and Commercial Services and People Portfolio Holder Councillor Eric Morrell said: “It’s impossible to exaggerate the contribution that these parks make to our residents and visitors.
“This policy also emphasises the significant contribution of these open spaces to health and wellbeing and also the indirect contribution to economic development and our cultural offer.’’
Council Leader Councillor Giles Archibald praised the work of fellow councillors in helping to deliver a ‘golden age’ of parks and playgrounds in the district.
Councillor Archibald said: “We are in this position because councillors from all groups have found ways of working together, working with local community groups and with contributions from grant funders and all tiers of local government. I commend this approach.
“Together we have made some major improvements to our parks. I am most grateful to officers for what has been achieved.’’
The full Parks and Open Spaces Strategy can be found HERE.
