20
2011
Love Parks Week
An article by 
Love Parks Week, an annual campaign, organised by parks charity GreenSpace, kicks off this Saturday. BrightonMums.com share their favourite green spaces in the city and why.
Love Parks Week was founded by the charity Green Space in 2006 and the campaign has grown steadily ever since. It is now established as a major event that is celebrated in parks across the country. Each year hundreds of events take place enabling thousands of people to get out and enjoy their parks and help put forward the case for reinvestment. Last month a government commissioned report estimated that Britain’s green spaces are worth £30bn annually in health and welfare costs. Sadly, this factor isn’t always taken into consideration with building development and planning applications. Bob Watson, chief scientific adviser to Defra and co-author of the report, said the assessment should be used to shape government policy at the national and local level. “Putting a value on these natural services enables them to be incorporated into policy in the same way that other factors are. We can’t persist in thinking of these things as free.”
With Love Parks Week we can increase this awareness and put an emotional value on our parks. Parent’s already know the value to their family having a green space nearby to take the kids for a run around, to play sport or learn about wildlife. An excursion to the park, beach or nature reserves can stimulate young minds as well as keep them physically fit. We are lucky in Brighton & Hove to have so many fantastic, family and pet friendly open spaces. Did you know…?
In our city there are:
- 98 parks and public open spaces
- 6,000 hectares of countryside
- 45 playgrounds
- 2,800 allotment plots
- 229 sports pitches, greens and courts
- 5 Green Flag parks (national accolade for oustanding spaces)
Here’s our faves and why…
William Clarke Park - nicknamed, The Patch, this is our local park, so an easy choice for us really. The drawback is you can’t avoid access without walking up a hill but the advantages make up for that. It’s elongated shape means you can find a private spot for a read or picnic, away from the two excellent kids play areas. There’s something for all. And I can’t not mention the amazing Patchfest which saw over 2,000 visitors this July.
Hove Lawns - we love the big open green spaces next to the beach where you can let the little ones run around and keep an eye on them. It’s the perfect place to meet friends from all over the city on those sunny days and have a lunch picnic, as many main bus routes stop a short walk on Western Road & Palmiera Square. There’s also so many events held throughout the year on the Lawns, giving the city the buzz it’s well knowned for.
The Level - again, this is local to us so we frequent quite a bit. In the summer, we love the paddling pool which is always kept as clean as possible. The kids love the sandpit in the play area plus to watch the skateboarders and BMX stunt riders. It’s a great place to stop and break up a shopping trip with bored children en route home. It’s due for regeneration and the plans are causing some controversy with residents at present, so watch this space how the plans unfold.
These are just a few inner city parks. Where in the city or beyond do you like to take the family? How often do you go? Share your ideas with others by leaving a comment below.
Get involved:
Find out what’s on in East Sussex and West Sussex by clicking the links. Follow Love Parks Week on Twitter and share your experiences with other families @loveparksweek
We are Out and About with Maclaren pushchairs and buggies.
