Ahead of May's council elections, a collective of Enfield friends of parks groups has issued a manifesto aimed at persuading candidates from all parties to commit to a list of measures that would improve the borough's green spaces. Above you can watch an interview with Kristiana Heapy, one of the people who last year set up the Friends of Tottenhall Recreation Ground and Boundary Fields and has played a leading role in creating the new grouping.
So far ten friends groups are members, but Kristiana is hopeful that more will join:
Friends of Aldersbrook Park
Friends of Bush Hill Park
Friends of Conway Rec
Friends of Firs Farm
Friends of Pymmes Park
Friends of Tottenhall Recreation Ground
Voice of Jubilee Park
Friends of Broomfield Park
Town Park Enfield
Friends of Bury Lodge Gardens
LOVE OUR PARKS
A manifesto from Enfield's friends groups to improve Enfield's green spaces for all residents
Why prioritise green spaces?
Enfield's green spaces have never been more used or more important to residents' health and wellbeing. But Friends groups are concerned that councillors are only offering warm words for our borough's parks. On too many occasions there is not enough listening, consulting, supporting and investing with community groups, leaving many in the borough with inadequate - or no - access to clean, accessible, green spaces or communal buildings.
Ahead of the next council election, we are collectively asking councillors and prospective councillors to commit to the following:
Efficient maintenance and waste management
- Additional bins in parks in which bins are frequently overflowing
- Timely repairs to damage and removal of graffiti.
- Appropriate recycling provision.
Greater accessibility
- Pathways for people using mobility aids and buggies.
- Better maintenance and reopening of toilet blocks.
- Play equipment for people with physical & sensory disabilities.
Supporting efforts to protect native plants and wildlife
- A budget open for each Friends group for maintaining or increasing native natural life in their park. In return groups will commit to maintaining any new plants/flowers/shrubs (unless any specialist skill/equipment is needed).
Increasing community spaces
- Councillors should prioritise repurposing old buildings in parks where it is feasible to do so, and commit to creating new buildings in parks if old spaces cannot be utilised. Shared spaces provide the foundations for strong local communities.
Enfield's parks and green spaces are often the centre of communities and vital to the wellbeing of its residents. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting Enfield's parks but the areas listed here will make a huge difference to people's lives. We need councillors that will commit to listening and acting on the needs, views and wishes of local people.
To pledge your commitment to the Green Spaces Manifesto email
Download a copy of the manifesto
