Green Flag Status
There was celebration as seven of Hackney’s parks won coveted Green Flag status.
Clissold, Springfield, Haggerston and Shoreditch parks picked up the prestigious title this month, as did London Fields, Hackney Downs and St John’s Churchyard.
St John’s in Lower Clapton Road was also awarded Green Heritage Site status.
Plus the Tree Nursery on Hackney Marshes and Core Gardens, in Homerton, also achieved Green Pennant awards – given to community and voluntary groups who successfully manage their own public spaces.
The scheme, run by the Civic Trust, is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:
“This is a significant achievement for all the people who help make Hackney parks special places to visit.
“The parks were recognised for being welcoming, safe and well looked after, with strong involvement by staff, user groups and local people.
“The awards are evidence of the ever improving quality of our parks and open spaces and we are delighted the dedication of all concerned has been recognised in this way.”
Hackney won four Green Flags last year, up from two in 2006, and intends to apply for more awards in the future as part of the Council’s overall investment and promotion of the borough’s parks and open spaces.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme application manager, said: “The increasing number of Green Flag award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving quality of life.
“Congratulations to all the management, staff, and thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence.”
Staff from the Council Parks Service joined this year’s other winners at a ceremony in Liverpool on 24 July to celebrate their achievements and collect their flags.
More information
For further details about the scheme visit: www.greenflagaward.org.uk.
Page updated: 24 Jul 2008