Green Flag Awards For Wimbledon's Parks

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National recognition for local green spaces

Five parks in and around Wimbledon have won a 'Green Flag' - the national award for the best public and community parks and green spaces.

Helping to mark Love Parks Week, Colliers Wood Rec, Dundonald Rec, John Innes Park, Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields (MPF) and South Park Gardens (pictured below) have all been awarded the Green Flag.

The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: "It is great news that our parks have, once again, been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award. Well done to everyone who’s worked hard to look after them.

"Our green spaces continue to be hugely popular to the many residents and visitors who visit Merton and we've made a continuous effort to improve our parks by, for example, adding new green gyms, developing paddling pools and play areas and introducing new hi-tec litter bins recently."

(Pictured are: Park users Carolyn and Eliza Stockwell, Mayor's consort Cythnia Ramsammy, Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, park users Sarah Spencer and Myra Clark).

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

"Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before."

July 30, 2014