The last few months have been a strain on everybody’s patience, compassion and understanding; so that now we have the freedom to explore and patronise our local recreation grounds, let’s do so. Before the tide of increasing populous turns against us.
Despite many playspace’s newfound social importance to families nationwide, during the laborious lockdown, Britain’s parks and green spaces are at significant risk according to the Fields in Trust’s annual ‘Green Space Index’. And it may well get much worse, with play areas superseded by new developments to accommodate the ever-growing population. The research approximates that the equivalent of almost 20,000 football pitches could be lost over the next 20 years.
Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said:
“Our local parks and green spaces have been crucial during the crisis and they will have a significant part to play in our recovery, yet our research shows that over 2.7 million people don’t have a park within a short walk of home and this number is forecast to grow over the coming years. This doesn’t have to be the case and that’s why we’re calling for a national strategy to recognise their value by ensuring access to parks and green spaces is guaranteed both now and in the future in areas where they are most needed.”
Paul Redden, managing director of eibe Play added:
“eibe has always been proud to be Champions of Play. As a friend of FIT, we will continue to lobby governments and support causes that encourage children to exercise and play in the fresh air. I think 2020 has taught us all how valuable having a local play area is.”