Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 8057 23 Appropriate Provision for the Community This criterion serves to verify that the provision of facilities, services and events is suitable for the whole range of users and potential users – within the limitations of the site. Judges will welcome evidence of analysis of the current provisions, clearly identified gaps for particular groups and proposed solutions inserted into future plans in the management plan. In 5 Appropriate Provision of Facilities and Activities, the existing facilities, activities and events on site are evaluated only to ensure that they allow users to lead healthy lifestyles, and to be personally safe and secure. This criterion takes a much broader and longer term approach as it looks at how, having analysed the needs of users and potential users, the full range of facilities and activities on site have and will be adjusted to serve them better. Research3 shows that people visit green spaces for different reasons – some for adventure and challenge, some seeking peace and solitude and a spiritual connection to nature, others for family activity and the recreational needs of their children, and yet others for social activity, sports and fun with friendship groups. Age, gender, culture, ethnicity, and social and personal circumstances also play a part in shaping these needs. Recognising that every site will have its limitations, managers should seek to understand this diverse range of needs, and where possible, to provide suitable facilities and related activities. The part that this site plays in any district-wide or local plan for varied provision should be detailed in the management plan. Limiting facilities to maintain a particular site’s characteristics is just as valid. For example, a nature reserve protecting sensitive ecosystems or species may aim to keep visitor numbers low, so they might aim to keep on-site facilities to a minimum. There is no predetermined list of expectations depending on the ‘type’ of site – it is important to respond to the needs of users. It is also important to feed back to users what can and cannot be provided and the reason behind the decision. Reasons for the provision or non-provision of facilities should be recorded in the management plan, alongside future aspirations, and judges may enquire into this whilst on site. Some issues to consider: + Is there potential for any conflicts between user groups that need to be managed? Could the area be better zoned? + Is there fair provision – for all ages, sectors of the community, and all types of activities that the site encourages? + Play equipment should be physically challenging, functional and imaginative, catering for a range of ages and physical abilities, located in a safe area away from main roads, dogs excluded. Opportunities for wild and free play are equally valuable and develop imagination, connection to nature and stimulate senses. Can you link better to existing facilities, events and programmes already underway to encourage wider engagement with them? + Would it help to make a study of patterns of use across the day, week or year? + Have you considered what people do when they visit the site? + Can the site provide informal space for community events or social get-togethers? 3 Keep Britain Tidy: People, Places and their Green Spaces: a segmentation of people who use green spaces (2010) www.greenflagaward.org