Five of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks have been recognised in this year’s Green Flag awards, for meeting the highest quality standards used as an international benchmark.
Cllr Paul Crossley with Sue Evans, Secretary of Alexandra Park Friends, at Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park, Bloomfield Green, Hedgemead Park, Henrietta Park and Royal Victoria Park have all won the international mark of quality for being well-managed.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the standard for their management across the UK and around the world.
Alexandra Park has undergone major improvements to the viewpoint and play area and new planting has been carried out at Hedgemead Park and Bloomfield Park.
The Friends of Henrietta Park has also been helping the council’s parks team to renovate the pond at the park and are planning improvements for 2021.
A survey carried out by the council in May found that 61.5% of responders valued parks more since Covid-19, with Royal Victoria Park having seen a huge upturn in visitor numbers this year.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “It’s wonderful news that five of our parks have achieved these international quality standards, despite having to close for six weeks in Spring due to coronavirus and with fewer staff available due to self-isolation and shielding.
“A huge congratulations to our parks team and thanks to our cleansing team for their support.
“I’d also like to thank all the Friends groups which support us to keep our parks tidy and well maintained for everyone to enjoy.
“Parks have been even more important to people’s health and wellbeing during coronavirus, as proven by the increase in visitors we’ve seen locally.
“I’m pleased that our beautiful parks are encouraging people to get outside and enjoy green spaces.”
