YEP Says: Why the future of our parkland in Leeds is so very important

From childhood walks, family play times, Sunday strolls, kickabout or that modern phenomena, the parkrun, these so-called ‘lungs of Leeds’ mean so much to so many people.

They have hosted royal visits and major concerts, too, but nowadays they tend to be used for less formal get-togethers.

Did you realise we have more than 60 parks in the city? When did you last visit one? Was it for a walk or a run? A bit of peace and quiet or a chance to let off steam with your children?

Researchers are keen to know as they draw up plans to preserve and revitalise our parks for future generations.

Historians and social researchers at the University of Leeds are exploring the role of the 60-plus parks in the city, many of them purchased for public use in the Victorian era, and comparing their use today with that in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Leeds City Council say this research will be a very useful guide to us as they move forward with our future work in the city’s parks.

To share your views in the survey, go to https://leeds.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/leedsparkssurvey and to submit park photos, visit: https://leedsparksproject.wordpress.com/.