Research shows one in three don’t use parks.

Sport England have published a report into England’s parks and open space. “The Use of Public Parks in England 2003”, carried out with the Countryside Agency and English Heritage, examines how people use parks, what they think of them, and how they could be improved.

In the report, Roger Draper, Chief Executive of Sport England, said:

“Parks can be vital green playgrounds, so it is worrying that over a third of people don’t visit parks at all. As a sporting agency we are acutely aware that people are less active and that there are increases in obesity and other health problems. At a time when green space is being pushed up the political agenda it’s important we build on research like this to make sure we improve parks in ways that will make more people want to use them more often, for all kinds of activities. Sport should not dominate parks but it should complement the many uses that the whole community has for its open spaces.”

For more information, see Sport England's web site.