Leeds Park Survey: Full Report

For many people, visiting parks is an integral part of everyday life, reflecting the vital role parks play within the social fabric of cities. Parks are places where history is made, both in terms of major public events - political rallies, mass meetings, demonstrations and civic celebrations — and in terms of people’s intimate lives; their romances, friendships, family outings and personal commemorations. In 2016, a team of researchers at the University of Leeds undertook a public survey in partnership with Leeds City Council (LCC) Parks & Countryside Service as part of a broader Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project investigating how Leeds parks have changed through time, how they are used today, and what their future prospects might be. The purpose of this report is to present the main findings and data tables produced from this survey. The research highlights the importance of accessible, good quality parks and green spaces throughout the city; where people of all ages, cultures and abilities can enjoy the vital leisure, health and well-being benefits that parks afford. Based on our study and survey findings, we make 16 recommendations for developing parks policy and practice in Leeds and similar cities in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 which requires that all nation states will ‘By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities’.