Visits to Sydney’s green spaces increase during Coronavirus crisis

June 28, 2020

Visits to Sydney’s parklands and gardens have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic as the local population made the most of the metropolitan area’s embrace parks and open spaces.

Rises have seen the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan recorded its highest visitation ever this year, with more than half a million visitors already, Centennial Park visits are estimated to be up by 20% and temporary car-free initiatives have also boosted numbers at Parramatta Park’s new People’s Loop.

Use of the Western Sydney Parklands’ 60 kilometres of tracks and trails has doubled (100% growth) since the commencement of COVID-19 restrictions.

Announcing the increased visitation, NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes stated “mounting global research is clear - accessible green space offers immense health, social and economic benefits.

“Sydneysiders have voted with their feet - and bicycle wheels - during this health crisis by enjoying the wonderful public spaces we have at our fingertips.”

The increased visitor numbers are supported by new data from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Public Space During COVID-19 survey, that has been filled in by more than 750 people since 8th May.

In the first month of results, the majority of people (72%) said local parks had been “especially useful” or “appreciated more” during COVID-19 restrictions. Almost half the respondents (46%) said they spent more time in public spaces than prior to COVID19 restrictions and 96% said personal exercise (walking, running, fitness exercise, cycling etc) is the top reason for using public spaces during the pandemic.

Minister Stokes added “the NSW Government created the Public Spaces portfolio and made greening our city a priority because good, functional and green public spaces are central to a healthy and happy society.

“Increased visits to our many parklands in recent months shows why we cherish our public spaces and why we must work together to enhance them.”

Denise Ora, Executive Director, Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands, noted that Moore Park’s usage has risen markedly during the pandemic, stating “Moore Park Golf, which is the third most-used public course in Australia, has seen an increase in participation of more than 50%, and the Park’s tennis courts have seen a similar increase.”

Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta Park Executive Director Suellen Fitzgerald said views of the Parklands’ digital walking, running and cycling maps more than tripled during April and May, with more than 10,000 web visits and 1,700 map downloads during its Get Back on Track campaign to encourage parklands use.

Fitzgerald concluded “our two-month trial of our People’s Loop, with its changed vehicle access, parking and circulation in Parramatta Park, has also been overwhelmingly supported by the community, in both numbers and survey feedback.

“Spending time in green spaces offers much-needed solace and is proven to reduce feelings of anxiety, lower blood pressure and create a sense of wellbeing, which we can all appreciate now."

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden also had more than 10,000 visitors during the recent long weekend as regional travel bans lifted.

Images: The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan (top) and play in Centennial Parklands (below).

24th June 2020 - Parks and Leisure Australia salutes parks and their workers with green lighting initiative

4th May 2020 - Australians’ physical activity declines during Coronavirus lockdown

26th March 2020 - World Urban Parks emphasises that ‘Nature Never Closes’

5th March 2020 - Parks Week returns with program of events across Australasia’s open spaces

16th December 2019 - Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens threatened by bushfire

16th September 2019 - Selfish visitors trample Mount Annan Botanical Gardens display

6th September 2019 - Arrival of Spring sees Botanic gardens ready for visitors

13th June 2019 - Denise Ora appointed as new Executive Director of NSW’s Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands

27th March 2019 - Inclusive playground and splash pad opened at Ollie Webb Reserve in Parramatta

4th February 2019 - NSW Politicians make election pledges to parks and the Newcastle Art Gallery

24th October 2018 - New Australian Green Flag Award winners announced at International Parks Congress

24th October 2018 - Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney deliver $140 million to NSW economy

19th October 2018 - Centennial Parklands secures multiple awards at International Parks and Leisure Congress

9th October 2018 - Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parkland executive secures Australasian Leisure Management media relations award

16th July 2018 - World Urban Parks awards international gold star of approval to Sydney’s Centennial Parklands

26th January 2018 - Centennial Parklands reveals record visitation as it enters 130th year

31st May 2017 - Architectural practices submit designs for regional NSW Botanic Garden

20th October 2016 - Winning design announced for new Australian National Botanic Garden conservatory

28th July 2016 - More visitors to NSW’s botanic gardens than ever before

13th June 2016 - Royal Botanic Garden Sydney celebrates 200 years with new exhibition centre opening

29th November 2013 - NSW Government report finds statewide loss of parks and public open space

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