Riverside Park and ten other city parks have earned Green Flag status for 2025, recognising “exceptional dedication to green space management”.

The Green Flag Award is regarded as an international benchmark for quality parks and green spaces. It “honours outstanding standards in park management, safety, cleanliness, and community involvement”, said Southampton City Council.

As well as Riverside, other awarded parks in Southampton include Cedar Lodge Park, Freemantle Lake Park, Mansel Park, Mayfield Park, Millers Pond, Peartree Common Local Nature Reserve, Portswood Recreation Ground, Southampton’s Central Parks, St James’ Park, and Town Quay Park.

Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero said: "We are thrilled to again receive this recognition for our parks. These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of both our own teams, who maintain these vital green spaces, and the Friends groups who volunteer and raise funds for the parks.

“Our parks are central to community wellbeing, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship, and these accolades inspire us to continue enhancing our natural assets. In our recent City Survey, 75% of participants told us that our green spaces were their favourite part about Southampton, so this is a huge achievement and something that we will continue to take immense pride in.”

Chair of the Friends of Riverside Park group, Paul Jenks, said the green space had held Green Flag status for at least the last five years.

On the latest commendation he said:”This is really good news, confirming what we know: that Riverside Park is a great park for everybody. But we mustn’t become complacent – we always have to be looking to see what can be improved - continue regular litter picks with volunteers, that sort of thing.

“And with a bit of luck the pontoon will also be in place soon.”

While a Green Flag currently flies from the Woodmill end of the park (pictured above), some may be hoping for a new flagpole at the Triangle end too – the previous one was knocked over by a falling tree near the ramp in February.

 Fallen tree at the Triangle end of Riverside Park in February 2025