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Wirral to host international parks
conference
LEADING lights from some of the world's
most famous public parks are heading to Wirral, in October, as the borough hosts a
major international conference and exhibition.
The World Urban Parks European Congress (WUPEC) comes to Wirral, from 15 October to 19
October 2017, in an event which represents a return home for the urban and municipal
parks movement in a significant year of celebration for Wirral's flagship park.
This year is the 170th Anniversary of the opening of Birkenhead Park, that
happened in 1847,
which is widely acknowledged as the world's 1st municipally funded public
park. Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton it is held up as the inspiration for a
number of famous parks around the world, including the best known of them all;
New York's Central Park.
One of the keynote speakers at WUPEC in Wirral will be Central Park CEO and
President, Doug Blonsky. Doug will be giving a presentation entitled:- 'Sustainable
Cities, Vibrant Parks' which will explore the theme of this year's
conference; a celebration of the heritage of public parks and the role they
play in the community, and their contributions to sustainability.
Doug will be speaking on the 1st full day of the congress, on Tuesday, 17
October 2017, at the Floral Pavilion, in New Brighton. Other notable speakers on that
1st day are Professor Robert Lee, the Chair of the Friends of Birkenhead Park,
and Gil Penalosa, Chair of World Urban Parks.
The 2nd day of the congress also takes place at the Floral Pavilion and
concentrates on the 'sustainability' element of this year's theme. The key note
speaker is Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, while
representatives from organisations such as the National Trust, the Eden Project
and Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag awards are also lined up to speak on the
Wednesday, alongside other speakers from Israel and Washington DC.
Also on the 18th, there is a special symposium taking place celebrating the life
and work of Edward Kemp, 200 years after his birth. Kemp worked with Joseph
Paxton at Chatsworth House and was the 1st superintendent at Birkenhead Park,
and went on to become a designer of parks and landscapes in the North West, such
as Hesketh Park in Southport and Flaybrick Cemetery in Birkenhead. Kemp's
association with Birkenhead Park is commemorated with a blue plaque at the
Visitors' Centre.
The last day of the main congress takes place in Birkenhead Town Hall and aims
to develop the 'heritage' theme with speakers including Dr Christy Boylan
from Dublin's Phoenix Park, Jan Heeren talking about the Amsterdamse Bos and
Birkenhead Park's own Paul Davies.
Cllr Phillip Brightmore, Cabinet member for Environment, said:- "It's a
real honour for Wirral to host this renowned international gathering; welcoming
specialists in public parks and countryside to our beautiful borough. The World
Urban Parks Congress coming to Wirral offers a fantastic opportunity for us to
showcase some of our world-famous green spaces, dedicated staff and brilliant
volunteers. Birkenhead Park inspired the public parks movement around the
world and it will be interesting to hear just how much things have developed
since the Wirral kicked things off in 1847. I'm excited to see local and
international experts share good practice and discuss sustainability, keeping
public parks a priority for another 170 years and beyond."
Outside of the main congress presentations, delegates will also have the chance
to enjoy a range of site visits and tours of important locations including Port
Sunlight and Chatsworth House Gardens in Derbyshire. There are also plenty of
opportunities for people to network, understand national and international
perspectives, support professional development, share best practice and explore
innovative solutions.
For the public of Wirral, there is an opportunity to get a feel for what is set
to take place during a public open day and exhibition, on Monday, 16 October
2017, at
the Floral Pavilion. This is a free event, open to everyone, and at midday on
the Monday Wirral's Mayor, Cllr Ann McLachlan, and Dr Anna Steidle, the Chair of
the World Urban Parks European committee, will cut a ribbon to officially open
the congress.
For details about:- tickets, packages and tours are now available
online.
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