Young Green and Well: a Parks for London Report

This detailed report from Parks for London looked at how young people perceived, accessed and use green spaces in the context of their mental health and well being.

It did not focus on how gender might impact on these issues and notes that further research is needed in this area. Nevertheless, the report contains some really important messages from young people. For example young people described feeling like they have aged out of green spaces—they noted that at a certain age (e.g., 14 or 15), young people are suddenly no longer allowed to access some equipment, such as swings. Young people noted that playgrounds and other facilities are designated for younger children only, while nothing is specified for 16–25-year-olds. They graduate from children’s play areas, and nothing awaits them. Several discussed feeling left out or sad about this, with a desire to access swings in particular mentioned by many young people.

The report also contains a number of important pointers which we believe can contribute to making parks and green spaces more inclusive. For example creating green spaces that are more permissive and welcoming to young people; providing cover for protection during wet, windy, or sunny weather; providing places to sit and socialise and establishing exclusive places and facilities for young people such as swings.