
The recent decision by Stoke Gifford Parish Council to charge parkrun for use of Little Stoke park has attracted considerable coverage and discussion in the UK and across the world. I must declare a bias here: as Head of Participation for parkrun (albeit currently on maternity leave), having set up the junior parkrun series and as a nearby (Bristol) resident I have been closely involved in this issue since its inception.
As background, the Parish Council kindly gave permission for a parkrun to be organised at Little Stoke park; land they lease from South Gloucestershire Council. The 5k parkrun started in November 2012, and attracts 250-300 parkrunners every Saturday. In 2014, Little Stoke junior parkrun joined the family; a 2k for 4-14 year olds which takes place at 9am on a Sunday. As with all parkruns they are organised by local, unpaid volunteer teams.
In 2015 the Parish Council contacted parkrun stating their intention to charge every Little Stoke parkrunner £1 per week. They since changed their stance and on 12th April voted to charge parkrun UK, rather than individuals, for use of the park. It is unclear why this charge is being imposed. The Council’s reasons have varied; from covering the cost of maintenance to repair damage they allege is caused by parkrunners, to the fact that parkrun is an “organisation” and that all organisations must pay for …