Greenspace Development

There are stark inequalities in access to greenspace for many deprived communities in inner city areas of Bradford and evidence shows this can lead to poorer mental and physical health. JU:MP action groups were encouraged to understand the importance of the environment to tackle inactivity and as a result most groups put greenspace development at the heart of their local action plans. All developments were led by in depth community engagement and co-design so communities were involved and valued their greenspaces from the beginning.

Through Sport England’s capital investment, we invested in 12 greenspace developments working closely with Bradford Council. Traditional play areas suffering from repeated vandalism, were replaced by nature play areas built of stone, metal and earth mounds. This approach has proven to be more robust and sustainable with low maintenance costs, which was important for council partners. Challenges of anti-social behaviour, quad bike usage and fear of dogs remain a barrier for families plus park usage noticeably declines in wet, cold weather.  However these new play areas have proved to be popular with children and families, plus research also showed that children are more active in nature play areas than traditional play areas.

All greenspaces were activated with mobile adventure play and other physical activity  initiatives on completion, to ensure an active playful ethos was established in the greenspaces.  The principles of Active Design were applied through the process and have been embedded in the work of Bradford Councils’ Parks and Landscape Design Unit going forward.