We all love getting outside, while the benefits of fresh air and being in the natural world are well documented. The UK is truly blessed to have so many wonderful parks up and down the country. We’re perhaps so used to enjoying them, in fact, that we almost run the risk of taking such places for granted, whether we use them for picnicking, walking the dog or taking the kids to play outdoors.
Yet these locations are hugely important when it comes to having spaces for communities, children and even pets to come together, play and bond.
22nd July 2024
This month’s Love Parks Week, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, takes place from July 26 to August 4. It aims to recognise public open spaces with a celebration of their key role in keeping residents and indeed entire communities mentally and physically well, especially those who may not have a garden of their own. The event also recognises the way parks can build stronger communities and a sustainable future. (That’s because they act as natural filters, enhancing water and air quality while helping minimise the impact of climate change.)
At the same time, the week recognises the numerous volunteers and workers across the UK who look after and maintain these areas.
So join in by organising an event to shine a light on your local park and its facilities. In particular, if you have one, shout about your Green Flag Award, which is the benchmark standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces, both here and worldwide.
The idea is to make everyone feel proud of their nearest park and perhaps think about how they might use it more often or differently – it’s the perfect chance to get the whole community involved.
If you run or help look after a local green area, request a pack and promote this special week of celebration. There are many ways you could get involved, from holding open-air yoga or tai-chi sessions to staging live music concerts or building a bug hotel.
Alternatively, you could use the occasion to launch plans for an outdoor gym. As the leading UK provider Fresh Air Fitness has worked with a large number of Friends of Parks groups. These independent, voluntary collectives are established at community level and work with local councils to enhance and promote parks and their benefits. We have previously worked with Friends of Kingsmead Field to install a Big Rig and 6 piece outdoor gym which can be used by up to 25 users.
Outdoor gyms in parks allow everyone to make the most of their local park, whatever their age or fitness level, and enjoy all the advantages of exercising outside for free while meeting and working out with others from their nearest community.
Choose us for your gym and we’ll be there from the first consultation onwards, until our varied outdoor exercise equipment is in place. We’ll also show you how to get best use of the equipment, and be there post-installation with maintenance and aftercare.
Get in touch today, whether you’re a Friends of Parks organisation or just a group of citizens who want to enhance their local area. We can help you use Love Parks Week to initiate your own al fresco facility.
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