The enormous value of parks and open spaces, which have provided life-affirming beauty, greenery, opportunity for exercise and space for quiet reflection throughout the lock-down, along with Forum members who work so hard to help keep them in great shape, has been recognised in the award of a ‘Local Legends’ virtual blue plaque by Leeds Civic Trust.

Chair of Leeds Parks & Green Spaces Forum, Lynda Kitching, says:

It is so heartening that the work of volunteers across the city is being appreciated. Many groups are emerging as restrictions are lifted, having figured out new ways of working safely, just glad to be together again. I must pay tribute to Leeds City Council’s Parks dept staff who are working at 65% capacity right now, but still managing to cut grass and do other essential work in our parks and green spaces.

We hope that people will continue to appreciate those green spaces of Leeds – perhaps join a Friends group in their area, or form a new group to help keep a piece of green space tidy and loved.

The Forum was nominated for a plaque by Garance Rawinski, who lives close to Leeds city centre: 

I have been out and about on my bike checking out our parks – really good for those endorphins: Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam, Potternewton and Meanwood parks, Woodhouse Moor and Holbeck Moor. It’s been great since,  although I knew of them, I’d never spent time in any of them on my own, able to snoop around and see more. What struck me most was what great condition almost all were in (mowed grass, bins emptied, beds tended). A joy actually, – it could have been a disaster with all the other things going on at the moment. So a virtual plaque was a suggestion from the heart. The wonderful parks and green spaces have kept me going over the past few weeks, and from what I see, many others have also been thankful for the care and attention given to them.