In today’s urban jungle, public parks and spaces tend to be the beating heart of any community. This type of space is an oasis amongst the concrete providing an area for that much needed rest, relaxation and recreation within the hustle and bustle of modern city life. The conundrum faced is how to ensure they remain aesthetically appealing and accessible to the public without compromising on safety.
Increasingly bollards are being used by town councils and local planners. Short sturdy posts which provide safety and security, bollards protect pedestrian-heavy areas in urban areas but they also have the ability to enhance the look, improve accessibility. In this blog post we are going to take a closer look at the part bollards play in enhancing our parks and public ensuring they are accessible to everyone.
Safety and Security
Bollards are installed into public spaces primarily to enhance safety and security. Providing a physical and visual barrier to prevent unauthorised vehicular access, while at the same time maintaining accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and other non motorised forms of transport. It is especially important to create a barrier in areas where parks border busy roads to prevent vehicles entering a pedestrianised area.
Bollards also play an important part in reducing the risk of vehicle-based accidents, whether intentional or unintentional. Also in today’s volatile climate where security threats seem to be a daily occurrence, bollards can help reduce the threat of a terrorist attack using vehicles. Modern day security bollards are designed to withstand high impact forces, giving an extra layer of protection without being too obtrusive. A good example of this are crash tested bollards which demonstrate the highest levels of strength.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
Aesthetic appeal is probably not one of the first things that springs to mind when thinking about bollards. However, today, bollards can take on many different physical features, and can be designed to fit in with the surrounding areas. For example, stone can blend in with historical areas, ornate bollards can be used to enhance the visual appeal of a park, and minimalist designs are the perfect choice in more modern settings.
Lighting can even be incorporated into bollards providing improved visibility during the evening as well as making your bollard more visually appealing. By selecting the correct bollards you can help make the entrance to any space not only functional but attractive.
Keeping Pedestrians Safe
The safety of visitors to our parks and open spaces is paramount. Bollards can be used to help guide pedestrians away from roads and car parks, thus minimising the risk of accident or injury. Carefully positioned bollards at the entrance to parks, at busy crossings, near schools, and playground areas can help keep pedestrians safe from the dangers posed by nearby vehicles.
Additionally bollards are quite often used as walking guides helping to steer pedestrians towards safe walkways and cycle paths. They can also be used as a subtle guide that helps people navigate a park, making the experience more organised and enjoyable for everyone.
Accessibility for All
When thinking about accessibility, it is important to consider the needs of all park users. It is imperative for people with disabilities, who may be in wheelchairs, or women with prams, to be able to safely access a park or open space. The use of bollards means they can be spaced with enough room so wheelchairs or prams can gain entry, while at the same time preventing vehicular access, thereby creating a safe space for all.
Modern designs such as shallow mount bollards meet specific accessibility standards, ensuring public spaces are welcoming for everyone. This is why instead of seeing bollards as a hindrance, they should be viewed as a positive by park users.
Flexibility with Retractable Bollards
The flexibility afforded by retractable bollards makes them an attractive proposition for use in parks and public spaces. It gives options for use as they can be raised and lowered according to need. For example they can be temporarily lowered to allow access for emergency vehicles, maintenance crews, or to set up events without compromising on safety when they are in use.
Retractable bollards come into their own particularly in areas where public events are held, for example festivals or farmer’s markets. They offer a way to manage temporary changes in vehicle access while still protecting pedestrians and other park visitors. The flexibility of retractable bollards means public spaces can be temporarily adapted for different uses, without the need for a permanent change to the overall infrastructure of an area
A Sustainable Solution
As public spaces evolve, the focus on sustainability has never been greater. Bollards contribute to environmental sustainability in multiple ways. For one, they can remove the need for larger, more intrusive barriers, like fences or walls, that may disrupt the natural landscape or contribute to urban sprawl. Many bollards are now manufactured from recycled and sustainable materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and wood. All these materials offer the durability needed without a lot of wastage. Solar power can be utilised to light up bollards meaning you do not have to rely on electricity. The hard wearing properties and long lifespan of bollards means they rarely need replacing or repairing which gives them a very low carbon footprint. Although it’s worth pointing out, regular maintenance goes a long way to prolonging the life of any security solution.
Conclusion
While the use of bollards in public spaces may seem a minor planning detail in the overall design of parks and public spaces, the impact they have cannot be understated. From providing enhanced safety, better accessibility and improving the aesthetic appeal, they offer a cost effective and flexible solution for all different types of public space. Whether you opt for fixed, retractable, or decorative bollards, they play a key role in helping create inclusive safe public spaces for us all to enjoy.
Careful consideration and the choice of the correct type of bollard allows town councils and local planners to enhance the overall experience for anyone visiting public parks and spaces.
FAQs
Can Bollards be used to Make Parks More Accessible for People With Disabilities?
Definitely if they are situated in the right place, bollards can help prevent vehicle access while still leaving enough space for wheelchair users, pushchairs, and people with other mobility aids to pass through. Accessible designs guarantee that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can make full use of public spaces without obstruction.
What are the Best Kind of Bollards for Parks that host events?
Retractable or removable bollards are ideal for parks that host events such as festivals or markets. These types of bollards offer flexibility, as they can be lowered or removed to allow temporary vehicle access, such as for setup or emergency vehicles, while maintaining pedestrian safety during regular park hours.