Sutton Park must stay Free for Residents
Sutton Park: A Local Treasure That Should Stay Free for Residents says REFORM
Sutton Park is the beating heart of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield—a vast, historic green space that has been enjoyed by locals for generations. As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, it’s not just a place for recreation; it’s a sanctuary of nature, a hub of community life, and a symbol of our town’s rich heritage. But with rising maintenance costs and stretched council budgets, it’s time to have an honest conversation about how we fund its upkeep while keeping it free for residents.
REFORM confirms the park should be free for residents but out of towners could and should pay to help contribute
The Challenge: Maintaining a National Treasure
Sutton Park isn’t just a park—it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare wildlife, ancient woodlands, and stunning landscapes. But all of this comes with a cost. Paths need resurfacing, facilities need upgrading, and conservation efforts need continuous funding. Yet, despite its importance, Sutton Park often feels neglected, with dwindling investment leading to worn-down infrastructure and reduced services.
At the same time, the park is a major attraction for visitors from across Birmingham and beyond. Thousands of people from outside Sutton Coldfield visit every week, using the space, facilities, and parking—without contributing financially to its upkeep. While we welcome visitors, it’s only fair that those who enjoy the park also help sustain it.
A Fair Solution: Keeping It Free for Locals, Asking Visitors to Contribute
Sutton Coldfield residents already contribute through council taxes and community efforts. It would be unjust to ask them to pay even more to access their own park. Instead, introducing a modest fee for out-of-town visitors could provide much-needed funds for maintenance and improvements.
Other major parks and attractions across the UK have adopted similar models. For example:
Richmond Park in London charges for parking to support conservation efforts.
The Lake District has introduced visitor levies to help fund environmental protection.
National Trust sites operate on a membership and visitor fee basis.
Applying a fair charge—whether through parking fees, voluntary donations, or an entry fee for non-residents—would ensure that those who benefit from Sutton Park also play a role in preserving it for future generations.
Protecting Our Park’s Future
Sutton Park is not just another green space; it’s an irreplaceable asset that needs careful management and sustainable funding. By keeping it free for local residents while asking non-residents to contribute, we can ensure its beauty and accessibility for years to come.
What do you think? Should visitors help fund Sutton Park’s upkeep? Share your thoughts in the comments below!