The popularity of local parks has soared during lockdown, with more than 70 per cent of users saying the open space has had a positive impact on their physical and mental health, a survey for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park shows. 

The poll of 1,000 people living in London and the south east undertaken in June revealed that six out of ten people say they will continue to visit their local parks more than they did before Covid-19 hit. And when asked about Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 73 per cent of local respondents said the Park is at the heart of the community and an important asset for London during lockdown.

Mark Camley, Park operations director for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said that he was proud that the 560-acre park has played such an important part during the crisis.

“People had taken parks for granted and perhaps forgotten what incredible spaces they are. We welcome millions of visitors each year but there are still local people who don’t think these gardens, wetlands and pastures are for them. Many have discovered parks like ours during lockdown and will continue to use them in the future.

“The results show that young people especially have discovered how important they are to their physical and mental well-being. We know that parks can save health services millions of pounds because they can prevent problems and it is essential we build on this and keep that connection with our communities going.”