Calls for increased safety as half of people avoid Leeds parks at certain times, new study finds
Study also shows most park users in Leeds visit at least one a week and are satisfied with facilities 🌳
Half of park users in Leeds and Bradford avoid their local green spaces at certain times over fears of crime, feeling unwelcome and safety after dark, a new study has revealed
More than 3,000 residents have shared their experiences of Leeds and Bradford’s parks in the biggest study of its kind, offering a detailed insight into what people think about their local green spaces.
But the study revealed many respondents avoid green spaces after dark or when they are overcrowded.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have carried out the research to help them understand how communities use the spaces, and whether some groups might feel excluded from them.
Around half who responded avoid their park at certain times of the day or week, with women, people under 50, and those experiencing financial struggles most likely to stay away.
Concerns about safety after dark, a lack of public toilets, fear of crime, cleanliness, and feeling unwelcome were the top barriers preventing people from visiting more often.
Despite this, in Leeds, 80 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their most-used park, with over 90 per cent saying they thought it to be in 'good' or 'very good' condition.
The most-visited green spaces in Leeds were Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, and the Temple Newsam Estate.
Lead researcher Dr Vikki Houlden, an Associate Professor in Urban Data Science at the University of Leeds School of Geography, said: "This survey has enabled us to understand not only those who use our local parks, but crucially those who do not.
“It offers valuable insight into the diverse and nuanced experiences of different communities, and how these vary across time and place.
“Most importantly, it highlights that improving access and inclusion is not solely about park facilities; it is equally about recognising and responding to individual needs and lived experiences.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution.”
The research team worked with Leeds City Council and Bradford Council as well as community groups for the Green Aware study and have used their findings to come up with recommendations to improve the spaces.
Coun James Gibson, Leeds City Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: “I would like to thank the University of Leeds for undertaking this important research on the use and accessibility of our local parks, and to thank all the residents who took the time to share their experiences through the survey.
“Given the significant benefits that parks provide for both physical and mental wellbeing, it is extremely encouraging to see that 98 per cent of respondents use Leeds parks and that the vast majority rated them as being in good or very good condition.
“The findings also highlight some of the ongoing challenges our parks teams continue to face, including littering, uncontrolled dogs and the misuse of off-road vehicles.
“These are persistent issues that are a constant challenge for any authority managing public open spaces. However, we remain committed to doing all we can to tackle them and to ensuring our parks remain safe, welcoming and enjoyable places for everyone.
“The insights gathered through this research will help shape our ongoing work to improve and protect Leeds’ green spaces, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive and valued by residents now and in the future.”
The study builds on existing University research which concluded that most women and girls feel unsafe in parks in some situations. It also follows recent research carried out by the Fields in Trust charity which revealed that Yorkshire cities have the lowest public greenspace provision in England outside of London.