Government pledges an extra £1.35m for ‘pocket parks’

The government announced yesterday (October 27) an extra £1.35m in funding for its pocket parks program. 

The £1.35m will be open to community groups to bid for the funding for new parks or reimagined spaces in their local area.

The pocket parks program was launched earlier this year and community groups can bid for up to £15,000 to develop a new park, while up to £25,000 is available for plans to refurbish existing parks.

The funded projects will then be led by these community groups who will work in partnership with local authorities to refurbish the parks and encourage community activities.

The government hopes that thousands of people will benefit from the fund, with the parks benefiting the mental and physical health of the people who use them.

Pocket parks are a piece of land, about the size of a tennis court, which is unused, underdeveloped or derelict and is then transformed into a small area of public space where people can use to relax, exercise, socialise and play.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick, said: ‘We want to improve the mental and physical health of local people by providing a sustainable and affordable sanctuary away for the hustle of urban life.’

‘That is why we have launched this fund to encourage projects led by community groups to renovate parks and encourage community activities of all kinds.’

‘Establishing more pocket parks is part of our wider ambition to ensure that communities have a real sense of identity and place, that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy green spaces nearby.’

Parks minister Lord Younger said: ‘The pocket parks program has seen great success in supporting community-led groups to take over neglected and derelict spaces for the whole community to use.’

‘Our ambition is to extend its transformative effect with a further round of the pocket parks programs and ensure parks and green spaces remain at the heart of our communities. It is now for community-led organisations to take the lead and encourage everyone to apply.’

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