Parks

Reasons for the Policy

A cornerstone of the open space network within the urban area is the park. There are a range of parks throughout the Borough, and the Plan will protect and enhance them in accordance with their existing and anticipated functions. Their facilities and their importance to the local community also require protection.

The following four types of area have been identified:-

Historic Park: the Leasowes is listed as Grade I on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens. It is unique to the Borough’s heritage and acts as a major tourist attraction. The park can cater for larger events, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
Eleven Town Parks provide activities and entertainment relating to culture, organised sport, social past times, concerts, relaxation, children’s play and wildlife. Both the facilities provided and activities organised in these formal parks attract people from a wide area. These parks will be focal points and may be able to accommodate commercial or leisure opportunities such as crafts studios, cafes, sport centres or nature conservation or arts trails.
Local Parks have a smaller catchment area, providing recreation facilities for several neighbourhoods. Appropriate facilities may comprise playing fields, children’s play areas and facilities such as seating, paths, lighting and secure access. They often contain areas of interest for nature conservation.
Community open space. Many sites are already used informally and provide for everyday casual leisure, visual amenity and social needs of the local community. Where appropriate, and in consultation with the local community, these areas could be improved and recognised more formally as a Local Park, subject to Council approval and appropriate resource and access arrangements.

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