“there is a balance to be struck before commercial interests and the lure of so much money overtake the interests of the ordinary park user who just wants to enjoy a large green space which after all was the original purpose”When Ealing and Acton bought the park in the 1920s they converted the open field into 22 football pitches, turned the fenced stock field into a golf course and the round fish pond into a boating lake, they laid tarmac surface tennis courts and fenced off a “private” grass court on the meadows, built a cricket pavilion and pitch on the lower field, rented out the open space for events such as the Metropolitan Police Horse Show and an air show, and did all this (and more) on plans that the income from sports and events rentals would cover the costs of maintaining the park. After the first, failed, public inquiry into the proposal they would not have been able to convince their voters (many of whom objected to the burden on the rates) if they had only wanted it as a large green space.So there has always been a balance to be struck between a large green space and fees and charges. I would add that what matters now is how well income-earning activities can fit into the park, and how well the various activities are managed to preserve enjoyment for all.
James Wisdom ● 2739d