It is considered best practise, and very desirable, for parks and open spaces to have a management plan: it gives unambiguous expectations of the way forward for the green space, between the contractors, management, Friends and users.   Green spaces that wish to be considered for a Green flag award require one.   

It is expected to have consulted with both users and local businesses / non park users – though for a first management plan, this can be in progress.

It contains both the agreed management for the space, and what makes it special, as well as local demographics. 

The expected lifetime is ten years, so that continuity is provided.  Often the minor-revision period is two years.