5 Strategic aim 2 - Increasing visitor numbers to the country parks particularly at off peak times and among under-represented groups We are confident about the benefits that our parks bring to individuals and communities. There were approximately 1.6 million visits to the country parks in 2015/16, and on average our visitors rated those visits as 9.25 out of 10 (Source - 2016 Visitor Survey). Over the next four years, we would like to increase the numbers of visits to the country parks and to do that we will pursue the following objectives: host to more adult education charity Mind Objective 4: Work with classes. say that it can also reduce nurseries, schools, colleges anxiety and depression and and education providers increase self esteem. So we to provide opportunities to Objective 5: Work with Public will work with health partners to increase awareness, Health, Clinical Commissioning promote and develop health enjoyment and engagement Groups, and NHS providers to initiatives in with the environment. ensure the parks maximise the parks. their potential to improve Parks are a great place for health, well- being and quality children, indeed people of all Objective 6: Ensure that the of life. ages, to learn about the world parks are enjoyed by all sectors around them, The physical and mental of the community, regardless of to grow their confidence and health benefits of simply being age, health, race, religion, develop skills to help them in in a park are becoming disability or gender. the wider world. In doing so, we increasingly well understood. We will undertake research to want to grow our already According to NHS Choices understand who uses our impressive education and physical activity can reduce parks and then take volunteering offer with more your risk of heart diseases appropriate action to ensure school visits, a greater number such as heart disease, stroke, that visitors to our parks reflect of further education students type 2 diabetes and cancer by the diverse population training and developing up to 50%. The mental health of Kent. vocational skills and playing
5 Strategic aim 2 - Increasing visitor numbers to the country parks particularly at off peak times and among under-represented groups We are confident about the benefits that our parks bring to individuals and communities. There were approximately 1.6 million visits to the country parks in 2015/16, and on average our visitors rated those visits as 9.25 out of 10 (Source - 2016 Visitor Survey). Over the next four years, we would like to increase the numbers of visits to the country parks and to do that we will pursue the following objectives: Objective 4: Work with nurseries, schools, colleges and education providers to provide opportunities to increase awareness, enjoyment and engagement with the environment. Parks are a great place for children, indeed people of all ages, to learn about the world around them, to grow their confidence and develop skills to help them in the wider world. In doing so, we want to grow our already impressive education and volunteering offer with more school visits, a greater number of further education students training and developing vocational skills and playing host to more adult education classes. Objective 5: Work with Public Health, Clinical Commissioning Groups, and NHS providers to ensure the parks maximise their potential to improve health, well- being and quality of life. The physical and mental health benefits of simply being in a park are becoming increasingly well understood. According to NHS Choices physical activity can reduce your risk of heart diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50%. The mental health charity Mind say that it can also reduce anxiety and depression and increase self esteem. So we will work with health partners to promote and develop health initiatives in the parks. Objective 6: Ensure that the parks are enjoyed by all sectors of the community, regardless of age, health, race, religion, disability or gender. We will undertake research to understand who uses our parks and then take appropriate action to ensure that visitors to our parks reflect the diverse population of Kent.
Country_Parks_Strategy_Consultation_Version.docx