Public open spaces are special
Open spaces, like parks, greens and woodlands, greatly contribute to local people's quality of life. They help to give a neighbourhood its own distinctive character.
Such spaces are not free from problems, however. Every public open space has to meet a diversity of needs and interests in the community and where there is diversity there may also be conflicts of interest. The council's role, therefore, is to provide an environment which can meet a wide diversity of needs, while minimising potential problems.
Friends groups make a difference
Friends groups represent different users of open spaces and can advise the council on how to meet these needs. The groups also become involved in the planning and design of public open spaces.
All parks, greens, commons, woodlands and nature areas are important social spaces used to meet a variety of local needs. For example:
- Play areas for children
- Meeting places for young people
- Places to relax, sit, walk and enjoy the green environment
- Sports and recreation
- Dog exercising
- Green areas for schools' nature studies
- Green open spaces for nearby residents
- A healthy, sustainable environment
Friends groups often result from public meetings of residents and users. These meetings provide an opportunity for people to exchange ideas and views. The council can help get a steering group of volunteers together to help get the group off the ground. Once a group is established, it can work with the council to get the best from its local open space.
Contacts
To become a Friend of Yate Common Open Space, call 01454 863799 or 01454 865847.
For more information about other friends groups telephone 01454 865876 or 01454 865877.