Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

Green spacesIntroduction433. The importance of green spaces in providing for sport and physical activityshould not be under-estimated, and this has been confirmed by the round ofconsultations with the Area Implementation Teams during the summer of 2008.This consultation highlighted the need for high quality, accessible spaces withwalking, cycling, informal and formal sports opportunities.434. The various consultations responses in relation to the Sport and Physical ActivityStrategy all highlighted parks, green spaces, walking and cycling opportunitiesand children’s playgrounds as very important elements to the physicalcharacteristics of <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, and as real opportunities for people to becomeactive. Added together they have the same scale of support as do new andimproved swimming pools. They are also amongst the most important facilitiesand opportunities to meet the demand for free and cheap activities, and for familyactivities. Green spaces also offer opportunities for horse riding, including viapublic bridleways and dedicated routes.435. The outcome of this Strategy will help to reinforce the North Staffordshire’sGreenspace Strategy and its associated action plan.Green spaces for sport436. In relation to this Strategy, green spaces have been flagged as key sites for:• Playing pitches (mainly football)• Sports courts/MUGAs• Skateboard parks• Tennis• Bowls437. There are too many individual parks and green spaces to list within this Strategy.However those where action is needed for the above facilities have beenincluded within the priority projects list.438. Green spaces have associated walking and cycling routes, which not only enable‘active travel’ but link the built sports facilities to their catchment areas.439. Other ‘specialist’ green spaces such as allotments also contribute towards ahealthy community and active lifestyles. The North Staffordshire GreenspaceStrategy has highlighted the need for an allotment strategy, particularly in theNortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 259Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009-2016October 2009