CABE ’s report - Parks Need Parkforce (2005) - argues that a return to the days of on-site staff is essential to maintain and accelerate the remarkable revival seen in many neighbourhood parks over the last 10 years.

In response to interest in demise of the parkie, English Heritage published The Park Keeper in 2005 as a briefing for local authority elected members, officers, and others. The 20 page booklet charts the emergence of this new modern ‘parkforce’, made up of wardens, rangers, youth workers, volunteers and environmentalists that are bringing about a revival of England’s parks. Combining the knowledge and pride of the traditional parkie with a wide range of new skills, (such as fundraising, community policing and environmental skills) the new ‘parkforce’ can reduce cultural and racial tensions, cut incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism and empower communities to become more involved in their own green spaces.