07 Nov Public Satisfaction Walk in Park for Southwark
Public Satisfaction Walk in Park for Southwark
The London Borough of Southwark has clinched the top spot in this year’s multi criteria Good Parks for London report by Parks for London.
The independent study found that a near unanimous 95% of park users were satisfied with the green spaces on offer within the borough.
Barrie Hargrove, Deputy Mayor of Southwark commented: “Green spaces are vitally important in the largely urban landscape that is Southwark. All [parks are] fully accessible for people’s recreation and relaxation, as well as to support the wider environment and biodiversity.”
Elephant Park at the heart of a new £2.3billion development in Elephant and Castle.
Southwark’s parks scored highly for their events, skills development opportunities, support of nature, sustainability, and their provision of facilities for health, fitness and wellbeing.
When asked if he believed that these high standards could be maintained under the pressure of further austerity, Mr Hargove said: “Since 2010/11 Southwark Council has lost 63p in every £1 that it previously received in government grant. Despite this, our parks have continuously improved.”
This is reflected in the recent council partnership with Lendlease to invest £2.3billion in Elephant Park, a 28-acre development in Elephant and Castle with a park at its centre.
Terry Buckland, who frequently spends his lunch breaks in the new park, said: “I think that it’s great to have somewhere to get away from work and the bustle of the city. A place like London needs parks and I’m glad that they’re being provided.”
