The Role of Friends Groups in the Development and management of Parks

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, community involvement in environmental design and management has become increasingly important and encouraged by government through grant schemes which require the participation of the local community. Many local authorities are now working with friends groups, which are voluntary groups for park development and management. In a study established to investigate the role of friends groups, it was found that such groups act not only as a supplier of resources, but they contribute to the broadening base of decision-making through the empowerment of the community. This study classifies friends groups into four main roles: a) supplier of resources, b) pressure group, c) intermediary and d) facilitator for empowerment of the community. Based on these classifications, a case study located in England's northeast is discussed. The catalyst of the action there was the resistance to proposed park change. Although the Friends of Leazes Park played all four roles during the restoration of the park, their present role is one of management restricted to the supplier of resources.