Trend Watch: Safer Parks for Women and Girls

The second edition of Safer Parks: Improving Access for Women and Girls brings renewed attention to how public green spaces must evolve to address longstanding safety and access inequities.

The report builds on research from the University of Leeds and other partners and is now endorsed by the UK’s Police Crime Prevention Initiatives.

The guidance is structured around three sections: ‘Eyes on the Park’ (ensuring sufficient presence and visibility of people to increase confidence), ‘Awareness’ (design and management interventions to boost perceived and actual safety), and ‘Inclusion’ (ensuring voices and experiences of women and girls shape the space).

Ten guiding principles across these sections are illustrated with case studies showing how practical design, maintenance and usage strategies – such as sight lines, lighting, programming, local outreach and responsive maintenance – can make a difference.

While emphasising that design alone cannot solve all exclusion or harassment issues, the document underscores that a well-planned, well-resourced and well-managed park or green space becomes significantly more inclusive and welcoming.

It encourages local authorities, park managers, community groups and policing partners to collaborate – to shift beyond ‘fixing’ deficits and towards creating proactive, equitable access for women and girls. Read the report.

Image: Artwork by Harper Perry Architects and Josie Brookes for Keep Britain Tidy, Make Space for Girls, the University of Leeds and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.