Keeping the flags flying
Havering Council has successfully retained its 16 Green Flags for another year.
A Green Flag Award means the parks boast the highest possible standards, are well maintained and have excellent facilities.
The recognition is awarded by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
This achievement of Green Flags comes as the borough congratulates the efforts of parks and ground maintenance staff .
It also recognised the community groups we work in partnership with, to maintain the parks to a high standard all year round.
It is also a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards scheme, as it marks its Silver Jubilee.
Havering is among over 2,000 parks and open spaces in the country to get the international quality mark of excellence this year.
Parks became a particular focus point for residents and visitors during the Covid 19 pandemic.
They were a place that people could still visit, even during the national lockdown.
They were places which helped boost well-being and mental health, giving people a chance to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Councillor Osman Dervish, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“We’re all extremely proud as I am sure all our residents are, that we have successfully kept all 16 Green Flags in our parks for another year.
“Some of our parks have now held this award for many years.
"I want to thank all our parks teams and ground maintenance staff who work extremely hard on a daily basis to keep our parks well maintained and safe for everyone to use.
“The Green Flag awards is also an official recognition of all the hard work put in by volunteers from friends of parks groups, supported by members.
"It is right that this dedication has been rewarded once again.
“The last 18 months has seen difficult times for us all in the fight against Covid 19.
"As a result our parks have become a place of sanctuary to many of our residents to be able to relax and enjoy.”
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Havering’s 16 parks worthy of a Green Flag Award.
“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers.
"They do so much to ensure that the parks have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”
Havering's Green Flag status parks are:
- Hornchurch Country Park
- Spring Farm Park
- Bedfords Park
- Upminster Park
- Hylands Park
- Lodge Farm Park
- Cottons Park
- Harold Wood Park
- St Andrews Park
- Lawns Park
- Raphael Park
- Central Park
- Rise Park
- Langtons Gardens
- Harrow Lodge Park
- Haynes Park