By Hannah, 17
When I was younger, parks were the place to be. Whether it was running around with my mates after school or having picnics on weekends, parks felt like a haven.
But now, when I walk through the park near my house, it’s too quiet. It’s not just that the swings are empty or the basketball courts are deserted; it’s the feeling that no one hangs out there anymore. And it’s not just in my neighbourhood; it’s happening all over Newcastle.
As a kid, I spent hours outside, climbing trees, riding bikes, and playing games. We didn’t care about the weather or how messy we got; being outside was just part of growing up. But now, when I talk to my friends about meeting in the park, most of them look at me like I’m suggesting we go back in time. “Who goes to parks these days?” they ask. And the truth is, I’m not sure.
“I don’t really go to the park anymore,” says Callum. “There’s nothing to do. It’s all the same old equipment, and you just end up getting bored. I’d rather stay at home or go out with mates to grab food or play video games.”
For a lot of us, it seems like the park isn’t the place to be anymore. There’s no space to hang out, no activities to join in, and no real incentive to go. We’re living in a world where everything is virtual, more connected online than in person. Social media, YouTube, and gaming platforms have become the new social hubs for young people. Why leave the comfort of your house when you can talk to your mates and play games together without stepping outside?
“I think parks are just old-fashioned,” says Sophie. “I mean, I get the whole ‘fresh air’ thing, but when you’ve got a phone and a hundred different things to do online, parks just don’t seem like they’re for us anymore. Plus, it’s not like there’s anything new to do in them.”
It’s not just boredom that’s keeping young people away; there’s also the issue of safety. While most parks are relatively safe, some are in areas where crime has been a growing concern. For some young people, the idea of hanging out in a park, especially in the evening, feels riskier than relaxing. There’s a fear of being harassed or having to deal with groups of people that might make them feel uncomfortable.
“I don’t feel safe in the park at night,” says Luke from Northumberland. “It’s not like when we were kids. It’s not just the older teens that hang around; it’s also the fact that some people use the park as a place to drink or get up to stuff that feels a bit sketchy.”
But it’s not all bad news. Some young people are still finding ways to make parks relevant to their lives, just in different ways. Skate parks, outdoor gyms, and sports activities have started to make parks a more attractive place for young people to gather. But these spaces are few and far between. The typical park experience – just hanging out with friends and having a laugh – is harder to find, especially if there aren’t any fun or accessible activities to get involved with.
“I used to love going to the park when I was younger,” says Amina. “But now, I prefer to meet my friends at the shops or somewhere with more to do. I still love nature, but parks need to change to make them more appealing to our generation. More activities, maybe a space for music or events? Just something to make it feel more alive.”
Parks are part of our community, but they need to evolve to meet the needs of young people today. Until then, the park will remain a place I pass by rather than spend time in. It’s sad because parks used to be where we formed some of our best memories. But in a world of digital entertainment and constant distraction, it’s no surprise we’ve drifted away.
This story was written by a young person as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.
