Residents are invited to comment on Edinburgh’s draft Open Space Strategy, which sets out Edinburgh’s open space needs in the period up to 2021.

Since 2010, 15 of the city’s largest parks have been substantially improved and 22 play areas upgraded, thereby increasing access to good quality green space and play opportunities across the city; allotment provision has increased and community gardens have flourished. New residential green spaces have also been created as new homes have been built.

Key challenges ahead include securing new parks and active travel links as the City expands and creating spaces that encourage people of all ages to spend more time outdoors. The draft Strategy also supports turning under-used green spaces into community gardens and wildlife areas and enhancing the city’s historic cemeteries and burial grounds.

The consultation, which runs from 29 August until 21 October, seeks feedback on these long-term proposals through an online survey on the Council’s Consultation Hub

Planning Convener Cllr Ian Perry, said: “We’re committed to continually improving the quality of life of Edinburgh’s residents by making it as easy as possible to access open spaces for walking, cycling and other leisure activities.

“The Council needs to understand and consider all the needs and views put forward regarding the future of open spaces and we’ll use the comments and feedback to ensure the final strategy will meet residents’ needs in the future.”

You can access the consultation at: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/openspace2021/