Record number of parks still flying Green Flag
Fourteen parks will continue to fly Green Flags across Havering after successfully retaining them for another year.
Parks across the UK are awarded a Green Flag as a sign to residents and visitors that they are among some of the very best in the world.
They boast the highest possible standards, are well maintained and have excellent facilities. The recognition is awarded by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
It is the second year running that Havering Council has seen 14 of its parks have the accolade of a Green Flag Award, this amount of flags being the highest ever for the borough.
The record-breaking number of Green Flags comes as the borough marks Love Parks Week [12-21 July]. Everything from what people enjoy about their parks to attending events and being part of local groups is being celebrated.
Councillor Osman Dervish, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“We are extremely proud as I am sure our residents are, that we have retained the 14 Green Flags in our parks for another year. Some of our parks have now held this award for many years, so we’re delighted for them to be part of what is a prestigious list.
“We know that our parks are an important place where communities can come together to relax, embrace nature and take part in social activities. This week residents have been sharing their affection for our brilliant parks as part of Love Your Parks Week.
“The Green Flag awards are also recognition of all the hard work put in by council staff and volunteers from friends of parks groups, supported by members. It is right that this dedication has been rewarded and I encourage everyone to get outside this summer and make the most of what our fantastic parks have to offer.”
Havering’s 14 Green Flag parks are among a record 1,970 across the UK, with 407 of them in London. There are also 131 Green Flags awarded in 13 other countries across the world.
Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said:
"Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every one of them on their fantastic achievement.”
Havering's Green Flag status parks are:
- 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
- Harrow Lodge Park
- Haynes Park
- Langtons Gardens