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Last chance to have your say on the future of Bristol’s parks
The face of Bristol’s parks could look significantly different in the future as part of a drive to make them financially viable.
People in the city have just one day left to have their say on a raft of proposals that include introducing advertising boards in green spaces, more commercial enterprises, reduced grounds maintenance and the permanent removal of some unsafe play equipment.
Branded a “plan for decay” when first announced, the current consultation that ends on Monday, January 29, outlines a set of measures to cut costs and increase income, in a bid to save £2.8m by April 2019.
is needed now More than ever
Unsafe play equipment could be permanently removed in some areas
In November, the Labour administration backtracked on proposals to slash all funding and make the city’s parks and green spaces cost neutral, with the admission it would “decimate” the service.
Instead, a set of measures were proposed to enable the parks budget to be reduced by 75 per cent.
The aim is to ensure access to Bristol’s parks remains free for all and that they are financially sustainable.
This billboard met with outrage when it was erected in Bristol’s Old City, but this could be the future for parks and green spaces
Under the plans, ‘appropriate advertising’ will be introduced within the city’s public green spaces in a bid to generate £50,000 of income.
While this will exclude tobacco and alcohol, pay day loans, party political content and more, campaigners have slammed the proposal, amid fears the presence of billboards will detract from the health benefits parks are proven to provide.
The council currently spends £6m a year on its day-to-day parks services, which is offset by an income of around £1.5m, leaving a budget of £4.5m.
The plan is to slash this by £2.8m as part of the ongoing bid to plug a £108m deficit by 2020.
The drive to make parks financially viable includes plans to increase income from cafes and ice cream vans and provide more refreshment facilities, which could turn a profit for the council.
There will also be new charges for anyone using green spaces to run their business, from fitness trainers to professional dog walkers, as well as the introduction of more fee-paying activities, such as zorbing.
Charges for events in Eastville Park could be increased
As well as cutting back on maintenance such as lawn mowing and pruning, the council is proposing to permanently remove play equipment that is no longer safe, if there is alternative provision nearby.
Park facilities, including public toilets, will have limited opening hours and there are plans to reduce the number of days Hengrove Play Park is open – from six to five – all year round.
Organisers will face new charges for the use of Bristol’s public spaces, as the council aims to increase income from events and festivals, including the annual Balloon Fiesta.
It is hoped this will generate an additional £300,000, which can be invested back into the parks service.
As well as calling on more voluntary and community groups to take on care of green spaces, the council is considering handing over all responsibility for parks to a trust or independent charitable organisation.
To view all of the proposals and have your say, visit www.bristol.citizenspace.com/neighbourhoods/parks-and-green-spaces/consultation/intro/. The deadline is Monday, January 29.
Read more: Bristol’s parklife under threat
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