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By Barb Valiukenas and Bill Bodine Millions of Britishers and foreign visitors utilize the ten Royal parks and gardens each year. These parks are a unique phenomenon, as only Japan can boast any similar surroundings. Unplanned origins Initially, the 6,000 acres of land that now constitute the Royal parks were attached to palaces and hunting grounds. While the parks remain the property of the Crown, they are maintained by the government's Department of the Environment with national taxes and user fees. One of the most striking features of the Royal parks is their serenity. Royal Bailiff Ashley Stephenson says "peaceful recreation" is the top priority for the parks. This quiet is ensured by banning radios and unauthorized music of any kind. Park officials recently considered making an exception to general policy when rock star Eiton John requested to stage a concert in Hyde Park. Because of its size and location near busy shopping and commercial centers, they felt a concert at that site would not disrupt other park users. However, the concert never took place because all details could not be finalized. Programs and activities The Royal parks also try to restrict game sports in the interest of aesthetics. Fishing is the most popular park activity, followed closely by jogging and golf. The Royal parks also offer American softball and baseball, horseback riding, Australian football and approved band concerts. Other Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 November/December 1985 activities include boating, puppet shows, model boat sailing, kite flying and swimming. User fees are charged for fishing and certain organized sports activities. For example, the charge for playing a cricket match is approximately $8. Other facilities Stephenson says it would not be against policy to have a wedding in any of the Royal parks, but indicated that "anyone could sit down at your park reception." "Each of the Royal parks is open to all people," he stressed. To safeguard this "open tranquility," unauthorized commercial vehicles are banned from the parks. Bicycles and motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, are allowed only on approved routes. However, park police will stop a noisy cyclist. Although visitors are allowed to bring their own lawn chairs to the parks, officials consider applications for the use of other tables and chairs on an individual basis. Lawn chairs may be rented at the parks for a nominal fee. Restaurants located in certain parks are licensed to sell liquor. Colorful surroundings Another striking feature of the Royal parks is their color and large array of trees and shrubberies. Stephenson indicated that a staff of 486 gardeners "goes out of its way" to add color to the park properties. This was a major difference he observed during a visit to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
"The two (park) systems are really totally different," Stephenson said. "That park system is more interested in active recreation, and our Royal parks are for peaceful recreation. "Also, I did not see areas of natural gardens and landscaping there," he noted. "We don't post 'Keep off the Grass' signs. We feel that grass is made to be walked on and sat on." continued on page 18 In West Germany . . . By Ted Flickinger West Germany's approach to public parks seems to reflect both love with order and love with undisciplined nature. For example, the Englischer Gardens in Munich are designed in the naturalist style with carefully planned hillocks, woods and brooks. On weekends, visitors can pretend they are hiking in the Bavarian Mountains when they haven't even left town. In other areas, there are an abundance of passive mini-parks with flower gardens everywhere and well-groomed evergreen bushes. I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Hans Joachim Dietz of the Environmental Ministry. He stated that hiking is the most popular pastime in Germany. He also emphasized that Germans love sports. However, most sports activities are organized by sports clubs and not by the government or schools.
I was surprised to learn that there are only a few public golf courses,
Illinois Parks and Recreation 17 November/December 1985
Royal parks
Related problems Litter is the main problem confronted by Stephenson and the persons responsible for the upkeep of the Royal parks. The parks' 163-person police force manages to keep vandalism to a minimum, with no undue destruction of park property or animals. Stephenson's office oversees the management of the parks and is responsible for "anything that walks, flies, swims or walks" in them. It also investigates ongoing work in the parks and monitors all horticultural functions. Superintendents are responsible for the daily operations of the parks. The superintendents and clerical staff total approximately 70 persons. Municipal counterparts Stephenson indicated there is no competition between the Royal parks and the public parks operated by local units of government. "The local public parks have play leaders and are geared for more active recreation," he explained. "Moreover, they are supported with local government funds." A new 125-acre public park is currently being built in southern London. However, Stephenson does not see any plans for expanding the Royal parks at this time. Administrative concerns Stephenson has been involved with the Royal parks for 31 years, serving the past six as baliff. His current frustrations with the post stem from the distribution of staff rather than from any questions posed by the Queen or other members of the Royal family. "We get questions which stem from the Royals who use the parks," Stephenson explained. "For example, the Prince of Wales is interested in the road lighting in one of the parks. "But the distribution of staff just isn't right," he noted. "It takes longer to get things done. The important things get done now, and the essential things get done later." Illinois Parks and Recreation 18 November/December 1985 West Germany Continued from page 17 and golf fees are extremely high. Therefore, golf is primarily for the "well-to-do" in Germany. Citizen support Germany has a strong citizen volunteer force. Many retired persons work in the parks helping to maintain the numerous flower gardens and assisting in recreational programs. They also supervise the parks to ensure that visitors use the areas properly. These official volunteers are reimbursed for direct out-of-pocket expenses. Structure All park and recreation agencies are supported by income tax revenues rather than by property taxes. The organizational structure of the parks flows from the district parks (several cities combined) to regional authorities and then to the federal ministry. Each level of government has its own authority. There are three national parks serving the 67 million Germans and hundreds of state and local parks. Professional education The educational program designed for park and recreation majors emphasizes natural resource management. Three universities offer specializations in landscape architecture and related natural resource management disciplines. The government has an academy for continuing education. Its staff travels around the country offering educational programs for park employees. Special cooperation A rather unusual situation exists between the government and private land owners. Residents with private forests must make the land accessible to the public. Legislation protects them from liability for any injuries or fatal accidents which occur during the public's use of their property. Illinois Parks and Recreation 30 November/December 1985 |
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