Four parks in York have been officially recognised as some of the best in the country, each receiving the coveted Green Flag Award.
Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens were the four in the city to achieve the honour, which recognises international standards of quality for parks and green spaces.
‘Friends of’ groups, who work alongside the City of York Council to maintain and improve the parks, have been celebrating since the news.
The four York parks are among 2,250 sites across the UK to be awarded Green Flag status this year.
For Rowntree Park, the award marks a return after missing out last year. This was due to the extended flooding in spring which prevented an application.
Cllr Jenny Kent, executive member for environment and climate emergency at City of York Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that four of York’s beautiful parks have received the Green Flag Award.
“It’s a real tribute to the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and local Friends groups who care so passionately for these much-loved green spaces.
“As well as these awards, we are working towards achieving Green Flag status for Hull Road Park in the future.
“Spending time outdoors is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing, and Parks and gardens like these are so important as free places to exercise, meet friends or simply enjoy nature – now more than ever.
Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in York who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially all of these parks in York are a vital green space for communities in the city to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.
“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
