Parks proved to be a lifeline for local communities during the
COVID-19 crisis but the pandemic has had a devastating impact on
councils’ park services, the Local Government Association sets
out today.
A series of case studies, co-funded by the LGA and the
National Lottery Heritage Fund, shows that as much as 87 per cent
of external parks and green spaces income is forecast to be lost
due to the coronavirus.
Although almost all parks were able to remain open during
the first lockdown, key sources of external income were forced to
close, and many have been unable to return to their normal
operations, including cafes, sports pitches and visitor
attractions.
Despite many facilities reopening, it is anticipated that
there will be a continued loss of income due to the need to
employ more staff or reduce visitor numbers in order to comply
with social distancing guidelines, and many council parks
services have incurred additional operating costs relating to
signage, Personal Protective Equipment and enhanced
cleaning.
As well as income generators, the pandemic has resulted in
the temporary cessation of volunteering and the loss of in-kind
volunteer contribution to parks services ranging from £12,000 to
£1.56 million across the case studies.
With the Government investing £2 billion in active travel,
it is crucial that parks and green spaces are fully connected to
these plans to maximise their potential to encourage physical
activity and improving mental wellbeing.
Parks can play a key role in the national COVID-19 recovery
and that is why the LGA is calling on the Government to confirm
that they are included in the new Levelling Up and UK Shared
Prosperity Funds, to enable councils to invest in new parks
facilities, pitches and green spaces to reduce obesity; ensure a
healthier, more active nation; and reduce our carbon
footprint.
Cllr , Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport
Board said:
“Parks have always been an important part of our
communities, but the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent
restrictions highlighted how essential they are in maintaining
our physical and mental wellbeing.
“It is easy to forget that parks are more than green space
and contain a wealth of income generators, many of which have
been impacted by the coronavirus and will continue to feel the
effects for years to come.
“The list of benefits, not just to people but wildlife,
fauna and air quality, cannot be overstated. It is crucial that
the Government ensures our beautiful parks receive investment for
preservation and enhancement.”
Notes to editors
-
The case studies are included in the full report
Financial impact of COVID-19
on parks (2020-21).
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This research was funded by the Local Government
Association and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and
undertaken by Community First Partnership (CFP).
