Most park users in Leeds and Bradford visit at least once a week and are satisfied with their facilities, but many avoid green spaces after dark or when they are overcrowded according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have carried out the most comprehensive survey yet of park usage across the two cities to help them understand how communities use the spaces, and whether some groups might feel excluded from them.
Around half of the 3,000 people who responded avoid their park at certain times of the day or week, with women, people under 50, and those experiencing financial struggles most likely to stay away.
It offers valuable insight into the diverse and nuanced experiences of different communities, and how these vary across time and place.
Concerns about safety after dark, a lack of public toilets, fear of crime, cleanliness, and feeling unwelcome were the top barriers preventing people from visiting more often.
Despite this, in Leeds, 80% of respondents were satisfied with their most-used park, with over 90% saying they thought it to be in 'good' or 'very good' condition. In Bradford, almost 70% were satisfied with their most-used park, and 85% rated it to be in 'good' or 'very good' condition.
The most-visited green spaces in Leeds were Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, and the Temple Newsam Estate. In Bradford the most popular spots were Peel Park, Roberts Park, and Lister Park.
Over three quarters of respondents visited parks or green spaces in their local area at least once a week. Women tended to visit more often than men but were more likely to avoid parks at certain times (twice as likely in Bradford and one and half times more likely in Leeds).
South Asian people tended to stay longer than White British people. Disabled people were two to four times less likely to visit parks than non-disabled people.
Valuable insight
Lead researcher Dr Vikki Houlden, an Associate Professor in Urban Data Science at the University of Leeds School of Geography, said: "This survey has enabled us to understand not only those who use our local parks, but crucially those who do not. It offers valuable insight into the diverse and nuanced experiences of different communities, and how these vary across time and place.
“Most importantly, it highlights that improving access and inclusion is not solely about park facilities; it is equally about recognising and responding to individual needs and lived experiences. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey!"
The research team worked with Leeds City Council and Bradford Council as well as community groups for the Green Aware study and have used their findings to come up with recommendations to improve the spaces.
Cllr Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “We have some lovely and award-winning parks and green spaces across our district that our residents and visitors use and enjoy, and we know the many benefits of being around nature and engaging in local spaces.
“This opportunity to work with partners at the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council allows us to listen to what the people have said and make sure we continue to make our parks and greenspaces better places to visit.
“We would like to thank all the people, parks and community groups across our District who shared their insights when they completed the survey last year. Having these lived experiences inform how we and our partners can improve our parks and greenspaces for the benefit of everyone.”
Ongoing challenges
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: “I would like to thank the University of Leeds for undertaking this important research on the use and accessibility of our local parks, and to thank all the residents who took the time to share their experiences through the survey.
“Given the significant benefits that parks provide for both physical and mental wellbeing, it is extremely encouraging to see that 98% of respondents use Leeds parks and that the vast majority rated them as being in good or very good condition.
“The findings also highlight some of the ongoing challenges our parks teams continue to face, including littering, uncontrolled dogs and the misuse of off-road vehicles. These are persistent issues that are a constant challenge for any authority managing public open spaces. However, we remain committed to doing all we can to tackle them and to ensuring our parks remain safe, welcoming and enjoyable places for everyone.
“The insights gathered through this research will help shape our ongoing work to improve and protect Leeds’ green spaces, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive and valued by residents now and in the future.”
Improving access
The study builds on existing University research which concluded that most women and girls feel unsafe in parks in some situations. It also follows recent research carried out by the Fields in Trust charity which revealed that Yorkshire cities have the lowest public greenspace provision in England outside of London.
Dr Jennie Gray, Research Fellow for the project, added: “Respondents visited parks for a range of reasons, most often for a walk, to relax, to enjoy wildlife and nature, and for physical exercise.
“This reflects a wider appreciation of green spaces as public assets, and the sense of peace, belonging, and enjoyment they provide. By understanding who uses them, and how, we can improve access so that many others can benefit from these vital green spaces.”
Further information
Top image shows Roundhay Park in Leeds. Photograph courtesy of Leeds City Council.
Bradford Access to Parks and Green spaces Report 2026 and Leeds Access to Parks and Green Spaces Report 2026 are published today (9 July 2026)
For media enquiries, please contact Kersti Mitchell in the press office via k.mitchell@leeds.ac.uk