Minutes:
The Chairperson welcomed Mr. C. McKinney, Wild Belfast, and Dr. R. Black, Queen’s University, to the meeting.
Mr. McKinney explained the concept of transforming Belfast into a “National Park City”, blending the principles of traditional National Parks with urban environments to foster a better relationship between communities and nature. He outlined that, in 2025, Chattanooga in Tennessee was recognised as North America’s first ever National Park City, and the fourth worldwide. He outlined that the idea of a National Park City was a way to reimagine urban spaces, emphasising the importance of green spaces, outdoor learning, reduced pollution, and improved well-being. He stated that the idea had come to the fore during Belfast 2024.
The Committee was advised that the Universal Charter for National Park Cities outlined that the movement's goals included enhancing lives, health, relationships with nature, and promoted sustainable practices like locally grown food and responsible consumption.
He outlined the steps required to achieve National Park City status, which included research, campaign registration, creating a charter, and securing support from local authorities and communities. He emphasised the need for inclusivity, collaboration, and the development of policies to protect and enhance nature, culture, and public spaces.
The Members were advised that the benefits of Belfast becoming a National Park City included providing a platform for civic collaboration and marketing the City with a distinct message. The campaign would seek to align with existing city strategies, such as the Climate Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan, while encouraging grassroots involvement and partnerships with statutory and non-governmental organisations
Dr. Black explained that her doctorate had focussed on Belfast children, aged 7-13 years old, who lived beside interfaces and wanted more space to play. She highlighted that the children wanted more natural space, such as green space and plants to encourage bees.
During discussion, a Member requested that officers would provide information which identified green space across the city, minus any 3G or 4G pitches.
A number of Members representing the Titanic District Electoral Area emphasised that there was very little green, play space in their area. One Member stated that the recent installation of stones in Tommy Patton Park had unfortunately meant that some children from the nearby Mitchell House School, who were in wheelchairs, could no longer use the space. She requested that accessibility be at the forefront of any decision-making in respect of progressing the project. Mr. McKinney confirmed that this would be the case as one of the core aims was that access would be for everyone, at anytime.
In response to a Member’s query, Dr. Black provided the Committee with an example of how co-design and strong and continuous community engagement had been integral to the reimagining of the Grosvenor bonfire site.
The Climate Commissioner expressed that it was important that the City and Neighbourhood Services Department be involved in the discussions around National Park City.
The Chairperson thanked the representatives for attending the meeting.
After further discussion, the Committee:
· noted the presentation;
· agreed that Climate Team officers would arrange a meeting with Wild Belfast, QUB and the City and Neighbourhood Services Department to discuss how a National Park City application could be progressed; and
· agreed that Wild Belfast and QUB be invited to a future meeting to present a further update on their work.