News / Bristol Parks Forum
‘Central Bristol needs a new big park’
The organisation representing community park groups and organisations with an interest in their local parks and green spaces is calling for a new ‘big park’ for central Bristol.
Bristol Parks Forum has ambitions for “a large, multifunctional green space” to serve the proposed thousands of future residents.
They have asked all candidates standing at the local elections in May whether they accept their vision for parks including ambitions for the new big park.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Parks Forum chair, Len Wyatt, said: “Our members know how important parks and green spaces are to their mental and physical wellbeing.
“With no legal duty for the provision of parks and green spaces, it is very important that the politicians, who will make decisions about the future of parks and green spaces, commit to ensuring this public provision across the city is maintained.
“It is essential that all our publicly accessible parks and green spaces in all the wards across Bristol are maintained as parks and green spaces, and are well managed.”
Brandon Hill is thought to be the oldest public park in the country – photo: Martin Booth
Wyatt added: “With thousands of new homes being proposed for central Bristol, particularly in the St Philip’s area, these must be accompanied by a new big park.
“There needs to be a large public multifunctional park, offering play space, space for nature, places for quiet contemplation, and for exercise etc. This can only be achieved with a significantly sized park.
“Improvements to existing parks green spaces, pocket parks and corner play spaces are needed too, but one big park is what this area requires to provide for the needs of new and existing city centre residents.
“This is the city’s last chance to have a new big park. Once this area is built on there will never be sufficient space for a new large green park in Bristol.
“This new park would meet many of the city’s goals – nature recovery, health and wellbeing, inclusive play space, etc.
“This is why we are asking all the candidates to publicly support this idea and publicly explain what they will do to ensure the city gets it.”
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
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