The inquiry asked three key questions: why parks matter, what challenges are facing the parks sector and how to secure a sustainable future for parks. The Alliance responded, on behalf of our members, by setting out the value of parks as spaces for physical activity which can bring health, social and economic benefits.
Read our full summary of the latest report from the Communities and Local Government Committee public parks inquiry here.
The Committee makes recommendations for national policy making including:
The Committee also recommends that local authorities should:
James Allen, Director of Policy, Governance and External Affairs responded to the report by saying:
“It is pleasing to see that the Committee heard our message and the report recognises the valuable role parks can play in providing opportunities for people to be active, bringing communities together and supporting the local economy. We support calls for joined-up working to maximise the potential of parks and green spaces and hope that sport and recreation organisations will be able to play a part in those discussions.
“We recognise that the current economic climate is challenging and new ways of working and funding should be explored. However, sport, recreation and leisure budgets must not be seen as the easy option to cut in times of limited resources. Decision-makers should recognise the long-term savings that getting people active can have.
“Park users, many of who are volunteers, already make a significant contribution to parks, for example by creating safe and engaging spaces or running activities for the local community. We would like to see opportunities for generating additional or alternative funding being sought through developing local infrastructure, for example parking and cafes.”
On 25 March, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Lisa Wainwright MBE gave evidence to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Game On Inquiry in Parliament.
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The Sport and Recreation Alliance and the physical activity sector have published an open letter to the Government on the impact of Pathways to Work on disabled people and activity levels across the UK.
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Here, we seek to update you on some of the key workstreams we’re focused on, as well as provide an overview of the ways in which you, our members, can foster more inclusive, equitable, and diverse environments for your organisations, including advertising some of the training options we provide (at discount!) and job postings too.
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