Search is on for group to keep parks pristine
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO OVERSEE CITY’S GREEN SPACES
THE search is on for candidates to run an independent charity being set up oversee a city’s parks and allotments.
Volunteers are being sought for the role of chairperson and trustees (directors) for the founding board of the Newcastle Parks Trust.
The charity will potentially be responsible for 33 parks, totalling around 409 hectares, and allotments – 15.5% of the city’s total open space.
The Parks Trust’s remit would cover principal countryside and neighbourhood parks, and playgrounds in parks.
The council will retain responsibility for the Town Moor, recreation grounds, playgrounds outside parks, closed graveyards, Westerhope Golf Club, Newcastle United Golf Club, and other green spaces, including grass verges.
The proposal for a trust was approved by Newcastle City Council’s cabinet in November to tackle a situation where 90% of the parks budget has been lost due to Government cuts over a seven-year period.
The move has seen the council work alongside the National Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund to identify alternative solutions to manage and fund parks and allotments in the city.
The council, assisted by the National Trust, is now seeking to recruit 11 trustees, one of which will be the inaugural chairperson, while two further trustees will be nominated by the council itself to shape the future of Newcastle’s parks and allotments into the future.
Council cabinet member for culture and communities, Kim McGuinness, said: “The new parks trust will be tasked with taking the passion Newcastle has for our parks, allotments and green spaces and using it to safeguard these city assets.
“The chair and board of trustees will be advocates for our parks. They will build valuable partnerships and play a vital role in bringing to life the Parks Trust’s vision.
“It is a great opportunity to work closely with enthusiastic volunteer groups, businesses and funding bodies to help Newcastle’s parks and allotments prosper for years to come.
“Our parks are incredibly valued by our residents and are a big part of what makes Newcastle a great place. It’s important they grow and thrive.
“This is an exciting time for us as we make history as the first city to implement a parks trust as a delivery model for parks.
“We are looking for a chair who shares our enthusiasm for the success of our wonderful parks and appreciates all of the reasons our residents love them so much.”
The council will make a total £9.5m contribution to the Parks Trust over the first 10 years of its operation.
National Trust director of the North, Harry Bowell, said: “This is a great opportunity to help shape the future of Newcastle’s parks and allotments.
“We’re proud to support Newcastle City Council in recruiting a group of driven and dynamic individuals to secure the future of Newcastle’s green spaces.”
People interested in applying for either the positions need to return a covering letter and CV explaining how they meet the requirements of the described roles, by email to futureparks@nationaltrust.org.uk by midnight on Monday, February 12. This is the same email address to request an information pack.
For further information about the parks transformation and the partnership between the National Trust and Newcastle City Council, visit www.futureparks.org
There will also be meetings across the city to inform the public about future plans. These will take place at the following times and locations:
Jesmond Dene Visitor Centre – Saturday, February 10, 12pm to 1pm
Nunsmoor Centre – Monday, February 12, 7pm to 8pm
Civic Centre – Tuesday, February 13, 7pm to 8pm
Allotments session - Civic Centre – Saturday, February 24, 12pm to 1pm