UPDATED Riverside Park has been recognised by the Green Flag award scheme as being amongst the best in the world.
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It’s among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that received the award on Monday (July 16) that marks a quality park or green space.
St James’ Park in Shirley is also the recipient of a coveted Green Flag.
This international award is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, and is now into its third decade.
The charity says the award is a sign to the public that “the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities”.
Both parks are unique in character, but are similar in having community friends working alongside council staff.
Doug Perry, chair of Friends of Riverside Park, said he was delighted.
“Our committee, we worked quite hard for the year, doing things that had failed the last time; for example the toilets weren’t up to standard so I got someone to deep clean. And then there was all the broken furniture, which has now all been replaced.
“And we scrubbed all the noticeboards all through the park, from Mansbridge to Cobden Bridge… and we’ve done litter picks, and tidied up generally for the inspection [which took place in mid-May]”.
“So I’m highly delighted!”
Cllr Jacqui Rayment said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for our parks.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining both St James and Riverside Parks to such a high standard."
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.
“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”
It’s thought the last time Riverside was awarded a Green Flag was in 2015.
17/7/18 Updated with comment from Doug Perry; link to 2015 article corrected.