‘What a way to put Bristol on the map’

Not a lot makes me angry. But the decision by Stoke Gifford Parish Council last night to charge Parkrun a fee to use Little Stoke Park has really got me riled. I’m embarrassed to have woken up this morning to hear this on the national news – what a way to put Bristol on the map. If it is true that this is the first time Parkrun has come up against this problem, anywhere in the world, then that is really a very sad fact.

For the record, I have nothing against the people who have made this decision. They think they have done the right thing for the community they serve. But I truly believe that they have made a mistake – it is the wrong decision. It is short-sighted and could lead to the end of a community event, which is loved by hundreds of people in Stoke Gifford and the wider population of Bristol.

On average, 186 people run every Saturday morning. I’ve been there several times and seen them: all abilities, young and old (you never forget being overtaken by a six-year-old, or an 80-year-old, for that matter). I’ve seen the volunteers who give up a Saturday morning lie-in each week to organise it, and have done for the last few years. They have given a huge amount of time to build community spirit and make people like me get out of bed in the morning and do some exercise.

The council wants to charge Parkrun to use the park. I, for one, would be happy to pay a small fee to take part and I’m sure many would. But that’s not the point. The whole ethos of Parkrun is to get people running who might not do otherwise. So many people could be put off by a charge if that was the way funds had to be raised (and I’m not sure what other options there would be – the organisation has reportedly already been told they would not qualify for a grant). We need to make events like this as accessible as possible – we need to get fitter and healthier, as a nation.

The council feels that other residents shouldn’t foot the bill for the event, if they don’t take part. Fair enough. But we all pay taxes for things we do not use. We may not like it, but that’s the way it is. Until we only pay for what we use, surely this is one thing Stoke Gifford residents could agree on as a pretty good thing to all chip in for?

Most residents in the area probably use the park: if not for Parkrun, then for something else. I haven’t seen anyone speaking out in the last couple of days for these charges. Now, that could be because they are the less vocal side of this debate, or it may be because they don’t want to be jumped on by people feeling the pro-Parkrun rage. But it could also be because they are few and far between – outnumbered by the people who would like the event to remain free.

Are there not are other ways around this? More positive solutions? The following ideas are just those of one local runner – I do not speak for the Parkrun organisers. According to some reports of the council’s reasons, there are problems with parking and the toilets. If it is really so bad (is it?), then close the toilets on a Saturday morning, and close the car park to Parkrunners – there is plenty of on-street parking in the area.

Are they worried about the damage to the grass? The paths wearing out? Then I’m sure Parkrunners would be more than willing to help with upkeep and maintenance if it helped. In fact, one organiser Geoff Keogh has been quoted as telling the meeting that volunteers would be willing to do so. Surely if we all put our heads together, with Stoke Gifford Council, another solution could be found. I know organisers have been trying to do this for months, but let’s support them in their continued fight – if they wish to pursue it.

Either charge everyone to use the park, or no one. This is not a big-bucks event, where competitors pay £30 each to take part. Parkrun is a not-for-profit organisation. Just because they are an organised group rather than individuals choosing to run in the park, don’t screw them over.

How can you help? Organisers have requested (on their Facebook page) that supporters do not lobby the council with emails, or organise a mass protest run. What you can do is sign the petition to support the organisers of the Little Stoke Parkrun here.

Then, we have to let the organisers do what they think is best for the future of the event – whether they attempt to overturn this decision, or turn their efforts instead to setting up a replacement event somewhere else (there are other places the event could move to in the north Bristol area, but it would be so sad for that to have to happen).

Whatever they decide, I know the community of Parkrunners will support them. I think I can speak for all of us in thanking you all those volunteers who have made this event happen over the last few years.

But if there’s a chance that anyone with any sway at Stoke Gifford Council is reading this, then please, listen to all the voices asking you to change your mind. Don’t be proud, don’t stand by a bad decision. Do the right thing. Make it happen – let Parkrun continue in Little Stoke Park, for free. Let it stay.

Emily Koch is a writer and journalist living, and running, in Bristol.