Parks and Open Spaces
Beacon Council 2002-2003
Improving Urban Green Spaces
Introduction
Green spaces can be a source of inspiration for towns and cities. High quality, well-maintained, safe and accessible parks and green spaces contribute positive social, economic, environmental and ecological benefits, which help to improve people's health, well-being and quality of life.
Beacon councils have a green spaces strategy linked to other priorities such as sustainable development, the health agenda, planning guidance, biodiversity and cultural strategies. Following a consultative and community partnership approach, the selected councils have developed parks and green spaces that are well-maintained, used, safe and accessible.The DTLR following Bexley's Beacon Assessment, said "Bexley display a diverse range of green spaces, and possess a clear vision and simple strategy to improve them. Schemes like Local Agenda 21 and "Environment Challenge" for school children demonstrate a proactive approach to partnerships with the public, private and voluntary sectors".London Borough of Bexley is proud of its wide range of over 100 high quality parks and open spaces (638 hectares), which makes a significant contribution to our communities' quality of life and to sustaining our natural environment. They range from Bexley's four Green Flag premier parks (the highest number consistently held in the country) to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Bexley's high standards in parks and open spaces have not been achieved by chance but by consistent strategic planning, Member level commitment, prudent financial management, joined-up working, responsiveness to the community and a corporate belief in the sustainable development of the local natural environment.
Bexley prides itself on working in partnership with the local community and external organisations, through its Ranger Service and Area Environmental Teams, to provide well used, appealing, green, safe and externally recognised parks and open spaces. For example:
 Partnership
Working in partnership with an extensive network of community based 'friends' groups, volunteers and other not-for-profit organisations is a key element in ensuring our parks and open spaces continue to improve. An example is the innovative not-for-profit Trust arrangements set up to manage Bexley's most prestigious park - Hall Place.
 Well used
Our extensive outdoor events programme and sports provision, culminating in the Bexley Festival, together with an innovative integration of pubs and restaurants, ensures our parks and open spaces are well used and popular with our communities.
 Appealing
High standards of grounds maintenance are achieved through performance driven contracts, which have been identified as national Best Practice. Contracts are delivered by a pragmatic mix of private sector and 'in house' service providers with active support from community groups.
 Green
Natural habitats have been greatly enhanced through our commitment to Local Agenda 21 and initiatives such as 'flora for fauna' gardens, an annual Environmental Challenge competition, a new 'Millennium' woodland and the creation of three Local Nature Reserves.
 Safe
We work to ensure community safety at every level from a strategic Community Safety partnership to innovative projects with young offenders, risk assessments of all outdoor events and Best Practice ice breaking procedures and playground safety inspections.
 Externally recognised
Our parks and open space have won many awards including the industry's own ILAM / BALI awards and London in Bloom. Bexley's provision, both in terms of quality and cost, compares very well against other London Boroughs and is part of the DTRL's Urban Green Spaces Task Force as a Best Practice case study and Centre of Excellence - and of course we have already achieved beacon status in sustainable waste management.
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