Create new NHS Hero country parks for every town, linked to the town and to other parks by footpaths and cycle ways. The parks should have space for walking and sports and provide performance and catering facilities for use by community groups and local businesses to stage free or affordable events such as food festivals, sports tournaments and concerts.
There should be campaigns to raise funds by donations to defray some of the cost and to create a spirit of national endeavour. The parks should be managed by groups of volunteers charged with encouraging the widest possible participation. To ensure broad representation on the management group some positions should be offered to members of the community at random and support and training given to encourage involvement. Effective work by volunteers should be nationally recognised.
The construction and management of the parks would provide economic stimulus. Increased physical activity and sense of community would improve the nation’s health. A report published by Sport England (4 September 2020) shows that investing in community sport and physical activity ‘plays an important role in boosting the economy and provides an opportunity to help level up inequalities within communities, and build a healthier, happier and more prosperous society generating £3.91 in value for every £1 spent’.
The parks would mark the collective trauma we have suffered and provide a fitting and useful tribute to the work of the NHS and a lasting benefit for future generations.
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