Public Places
The Parks Alliance must involve, energise, support and enthuse parks professionals if they are to be
successful. In return, parks professionals must recognise the efforts being made on their behalf and support the Parks Alliance
Long grass regime with cut pathways. Is this the model for the future?
and the community was enriched and flourished with property values increased. And what was the flagship project on which the research was based - you’ve guessed it - creating a park from a neglected green space! Today, the Parks Alliance, backed by Horticulture Week, is fighting the same fight all over again. Other organisations, such as the Royal Horticultural Society, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the Association for Professional Service Excellence, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (Friend’s group national organisation) and indeed, Pitchcare, are all expressing their concern for the future of our parks. The Parks Alliance, which is taking the lead in championing parks, must involve, energise, support and enthuse parks professionals if they are to be successful. In return, parks professionals must recognise the efforts being made on their behalf and support the Parks Alliance. A quick look at their website will explain how you can help. The Institute of Parks and Green Spaces,
was an emerging association for sector professionals which folded when
Greenspace’s funding was cut, but it is still surprising that, compared with arborists, groundsmen, golf greenkeepers etc., parks professionals have not forged themselves into a coherent association or body. Also, many managers and officers are now too over-stretched to even attend regional benchmarking groups or industry seminars, so benchmarking, joint working and the cross-fertilisation of ideas is diminishing. Perhaps the Parks Alliance, as it develops, can help to support and involve today’s parks professionals. Future issues of Pitchcare will examine the
search for new models and approaches to the management and maintenance of parks, and report progress on some of these major challenges. We will see how the impact of the National Pollinator Strategy, the use of carefully planned mowing regimes, wildflower and contemporary urban planting, community interest companies, outcome specifications and partnership contracts etc. can all contribute to integrated approaches which will help steer us through these challenging times. Pitchcare is keen to hear your stories,
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problems and concerns relating to the current parks scene in your area, and especially any new approaches which help you adjust or change to allow for austerity measures. Send your thoughts to
editor@pitchcare.com
About the author: A former Head of Environmental Services, Bernard Sheridan is a consultant providing advice and management support to local authorities and organisations. With a background in parks, countryside, horticultural and sports turf management, he has particular expertise in developing green space policies and strategies, community involvement and delivering operational plans and services. Bernard is an RHS Master of Horticulture, NDT(IoG) and a member of Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
” Website:
www.theparksalliance.org
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