Safer Parks Guidance: Improving Access for Women and Girls
Source: Keep Britain Tidy, Make Space for Girls, the University of Leeds and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Context
Parks are key spaces for recreation and physical activity across West Yorkshire, yet many women and girls report feeling unsafe using them, particularly when alone or after dark. A 2022 research project led by the University of Leeds, in collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, examined what makes parks feel safe or unsafe from the perspectives of women, girls, and park professionals.
Intervention
The study informed regional efforts under the Safer Streets Fund and the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safety of Women and Girls Strategy to improve park safety through better design and management. Recommended measures include improving lighting, increasing openness and visibility, maintaining parks to reduce signs of disorder, and ensuring a visible presence of staff or responsible authorities.
These actions are being incorporated into guidance and planning processes aimed at creating parks that feel welcoming, accessible, and safe for women and girls throughout the day and across seasons.
Result
The research highlighted that improved lighting, clearer sightlines, well-maintained spaces, and greater activity and visibility in parks contribute to stronger feelings of safety among women and girls. These measures help reduce avoidance of parks, supporting greater use for recreation, walking, and running.
The study demonstrates how evidence-based improvements in park design and management can enhance both perceived and actual safety, encouraging more inclusive use of public green spaces.
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