A new survey has revealed Warrington as the second best place for park space in UK towns and cities – although it still falls short of the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation!
Unfortunately, the study by researchers at www.betpack.com has shown that all but one, including Warrington fall short in providing enough green space for their citizens, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The research took place in honour of this year’s Take A Walk In The Park Day, celebrated tomorrow, March 30, which analysed just how much green space within urban areas is available for Britons across the UK.
According to the World Health Organization, the minimum of green space per person in urban areas is 9m².
Keeping this in mind, the data is rather disappointing, as only one city in the UK has more than 9m² of green space per inhabitant, while the rest of them fall short.
Second-placed Warrington, which has 6.1m² of park space per 10 inhabitants, although lower than Milton Keynes 15m², it is still a respectable figure and offers plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities.
Living spaces are becoming increasingly consumed by tall buildings, and the disconnection between people and nature is increasing at an alarming rate.
In order to try and tackle this issue, as well as promote physical and mental wellbeing, the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 9m² of green space per person in urban areas.
Parks are a vital part of any urban landscape, providing green spaces for relaxation, exercise, and recreation, which is why the availability of parks per capita is an important metric to gauge the quality of life in any city or town.
The researchers analysed the data from Open Street Maps in order to find out which UK towns and cities are the best for escaping the urban jungle and enjoying some greenery.
Milton Keynes, a town located in Buckinghamshire, is known for its grid road system and modernist architecture. The town boasts an impressive 15m² of park space per 10 inhabitants, which is more than enough to put it at the top of this list. The abundance of green space in Milton Keynes is no surprise given the town’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Following second place Warrington is Peterborough with 6m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. The city is home to several large parks, including Ferry Meadows and Nene Park, which offer a range of recreational activities.
Ranking fourth is Northampton, as it has 5.26m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. The town has several beautiful parks, like Abington Park and Bradlaugh Fields, which provide residents with ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Stoke-on-Trent is next on the list, with 5.1m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. The city’s largest park is Hanley Park, which was recently renovated and restored to its former Victorian splendour.
In sixth place is Coventry, with 4.85m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. The city has several parks, including War Memorial Park and Allesley Park, which offer residents a range of amenities and facilities.
Leeds ranks seventh, with 4.4m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam Park are just a couple of parks in Leeds that offer the residents an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In eighth place is Wolverhampton, with 3.8m² of park space per 10 inhabitants. West Park is the largest park in Wolverhampton, and it has a range of facilities, including a boating lake and play areas for children.
Exeter has 3.7m² of park space per 10 inhabitants, which puts it in ninth place on this list. The city’s largest and one of the most beautiful parks, Rougemont Gardens, features a mix of formal gardens and open grassy areas.
Finally, Dundee, the only city outside of England on this list, has 3.65m² of park space per 10 inhabitants, which is enough to rank in the top 10. The city’s largest park is Camperdown Park, which has a wildlife centre, an adventure playground, and a golf course.
