Parks for Life

18.06.08, The Watershed, Bristol

A conference focusing on maximising the impact parks can have on health and wellbeing

GreenSpace’s next conference, Parks for Life, will take place on 18 June at the Watershed in Bristol city centre. The conference, which will focus on maximising the impact parks can have on health and wellbeing, is organised in partnership with IPGS and Bristol City Council, and supported by Glendale.

Keeping healthy, both in body and mind, needs to be a priority in order to lead a full and active life. Some people have the dedication and money to visit the gym, or may join a team or take up a hobby that requires regular exercise. However, for many these options may seem too much effort, too daunting or too expensive – a fact that is reflected in the rising obesity figures in the UK. The costs to the NHS, to employers through sick days and to society as a whole are huge.

Parks could be a valuable resource in tackling this growing trend. We know parks are free to use, improve people’s state of mind, offer space and an attractive environment to exercise in – but how do we prove that they are good for people’s health? And how do we convince healthcare professionals of the value of parks and create effective and lasting partnerships? Is it possible to promote parks as a viable alternative to leisure centres and prove that they are assets that need investment? And how can we convince more people to use their parks to improve their health?

Parks for Life will consider these questions and more. This one-day conference will feature a packed programme of presentations and site visits.

Topics explored at Parks for Life will include proving the benefits to health that parks can provide, building strong partnerships with healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure parks have the financial support to fulfill their potential and ways to maximise the usage of parks for healthy living.

Cost

Attendance is £180.00 for IPGS and GreenSpace members and £230.00 for non-members (prices include vat). A limited number of subsidised places, priced at £90.00, are available to registered community groups and those in full-time education. Please phone 0118 946 9066 to apply for these places.

Booking information

Post: Complete and return the conference booking form.
Fax: Complete and fax the conference booking form to 0118 946 9061.
Telephone: Call the events team on 0118 946 9066 to book your place, or to make a provisional booking.
Online: Complete the online booking form here

Hotels and accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the delegate rate. Details of a range of nearby hotels are available from the events team.

Exhibition and sponsorship

A range of cost-effective exhibition and sponsorship packages are available at this event. For more information please call Jon Cornwell on 0118 946 9068 email jonc@green-space.org.uk