Community groups can bid for funds to establish a new pocket park or refurbish an existing park.
- Local communities encouraged to apply for pocket parks plus grants from today
- Up to £15,000 available to build new 'pocket parks' and up to £25,000 available for renovating existing parks
Green-fingered communities across England can bid for a share of £1 million fund from today (5 December 2018) to help develop their own 'pocket parks'.
Pocket parks are small plots of land, often about the size of a tennis court, and mostly seen in urban spaces. They provide a green oasis which can help improve the physical and mental health of the communities using them.
Existing pocket parks are used for everything from a quiet escape from busy city life to physical exercise, growing vegetables, children's play and community events.
Parks and Green Spaces Minister Rishi Sunak MP said:
Green spaces offer people a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life to relax, keep healthy, learn about nature or spend time together with loved ones.
Not all communities enjoy access to an abundance of usable space, while some existing parks might need a bit of TLC to bring them back to life. The pocket parks plus fund will help local people to create and maintain small oases that they can take pride in and benefit from for years to come.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government welcomes grant applications for the creation of innovative as well as traditional pocket parks.
