Parks Survey

Results of 1998 Parks Survey

95% of respondents currently visit parks and open spaces in Bexley
The sites most often used by respondents were Danson Park (31%) and Hall Place (29%). Foots Cray Meadows is used most often by 10% and Lesnes Abbey by 3% of respondents. 31% use the remaining parks and open spaces most often.

The 5% who do not currently visit parks or open spaces cite "not near me" and "lack of transport" as the main reasons.
The most often used transport is the car or motorcycle (49%), closely followed by walking (48%). Public transport (6%) and bicycles (4%) are relatively little used to travel to parks.

The four most popular reasons for visiting parks and open spaces in Bexley are walking (45%), relaxation (43%), "to get away from it all" (30%) and children's play (30%).
42% of respondents say they visit parks less than once a week. Around 22% say they visit once a week and 20% over three times a week. 15% visit twice a week.
Almost half of respondents (47%) say they stay at the park or open space for 1-2 hours. 30% stay for between half an hour and one hour. 17% stay for over two hours. 5% stay for less than half an hour.
Most of the visits to parks and open spaces are made in the afternoon with slightly more at the weekend than during the week. 41% of respondents say they visit in the morning. Only 21% say they visit in the evening and the majority of evening visits are made during the week.

84% of respondents feel safe in parks
Of the 16% of respondents that do not feel safe in parks, the main reasons are lack of park staff (65%) and fear of crime (42%).

There is significant agreement with policy statements on active community support for parks (83%), promoting public awareness of parks (93%), seeking funding for significant enhancements to parks (86%) and introducing more natural habitats into parks (83%).

Craft/country fayres, historic/heritage events and drama/musical events are the three most popular types of event that respondents would like to see in the parks and open spaces. Gymkhanas, orienteering, funfairs and circuses are the least popular.

40% of respondents say that Hall Place is their favourite park and 38% state that Danson Park is their favourite.
The features most favoured by respondents are grassy open space (79%), toliets (73%) and seating (64%), regardless of age. Least important are horse rides (8%), baby-changing facilities (17%), information centres (22%) and pitch and putt (23%).
The three features in Bexley's parks that give most satisfaction to respondents are open grass/lawn (84%), ornamental planting (66%) and access for families (63%). The three features that give the least satisfaction are provision of toilet facilities (44%), on-site supervision (45%) and cleanliness of toilet facilities (44%).

Parks strategy key aims