An unexpected theme tune of recent months has been Blur s hit Parklife. It jangles around my head, my own lyrics replacing Phil Daniels Cockney narration. Kids, come off your tech for another bleak plod Parklife. Can t go to the gym, so I m off for a run Parklife. A friend s alone with her dog. Can we have a distanced chat? Parklife. All the people, so many people . . .
For decades of my life, urban parks have offered little interest. Acquire a child or a dog, or both, and suddenly these green spaces become paramount. In lockdown, they have become city-dwellers most important shared space. Though even they are now being billed as a potential danger zone.