Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5.4:
London Borough of Newham maps: (a)
Location of urban parks in the London Borough of
Newham; (b) Children's play space deficiency; (c)
Areas of local park deficiency; (d) Priority areas for
tackling open space deficiency
space is also notable (Figure 5.4b). But the 2001 UDP does acknowledge that by 2006, a
further 12 ha of play space will be provided. This under-provision is reflected in areas
needing additional space, but the UDP recognises the absence of sites may make this
difficult. A study by Page et al. (1994) examined the user groups within the hierarchy of
open spaces in Newham and confirmed many of the assumptions on park use, namely
• the overwhelming pattern of use was local in relation to the catchment area
• parks perform an important social role, being an accessible leisure resource regardless
of gender, race, age and disability
• CCT procedures had reduced the quality of perceived maintenance of parks
• many concerns related to conflicts between dog owners and non-dog owners emerged in
the management of park areas
• passive leisure pursuits dominated park use
• local park plans were seen as an innovative way of matching user needs to the
management of parks and open spaces.
Therefore while parks and open spaces may not be as fashionable as capital intensive
