Green Flag Award announcement: Cripplegate and Gheluvelt are officially two of the best UK parks
With parks providing the perfect location for families during the school holidays, Cripplegate and Gheluvelt parks in Worcester have been recognised as two of the country’s best green spaces with a prestigious Green Flag Award today (Wednesday July 28, 2010).
Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country and Cripplegate and Gheluvelt parks stood out after impressing the judges with their excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.
This year has seen the highest number of awards handed out – a record 1200 Green Flags and Green Pennants across the UK compared to 1,013 in 2009. Green Pennants are awarded to parks or green spaces managed by a community or voluntary group.
Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace
Left Photo: Gheluvelt Park Right Photo: Cripplegate Park
Simon Geraghty, Leader of Worcester City Council, said:
"This national recognition of the hard work and imaginative approach of Worcester’s Parks team is very welcome, and it is something the city manages to achieve year on year. I’m delighted that once again we will be flying the Green Flag at more than one of our beautiful parks."
Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, said:
"It’s a remarkable achievement that so many parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year. The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community.
"As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance."
The awards could not come at a better time as GreenSpace’s ‘Love Parks’ week takes place between July 24 and August 1, during which people will be encouraged to enjoy the nation’s parks and green spaces.
