Super six parks retain Green Flags

All six of the Royal Borough's Green Flag parks have held on to their status as being among the cleanest, greenest, safest open areas in the country.

The parks' success in retaining their prestigious Green Flag accreditation for the year ahead was announced yesterday (Monday) - an added bonus during the council's fun-packed celebration of Love Parks Week (Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 July)*. The new flags will be hoisted this week.

Last year Clewer Memorial Recreation Ground in Windsor became the sixth borough park to earn the accolade, joining Braywick, Desborough, Kidwells and Oaken Grove Parks in Maidenhead and Home Park in Windsor.

This year a record 1,136 parks and green spaces countrywide received the coveted award - presented for high standards in a range of areas including overall park management, safety, cleanliness and maintenance, sustainability, conservation and community involvement - up from 1,066 last year.

Cllr Simon Dudley, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, said: "Research shows that quality parks and green spaces play a vital role in contributing to the local environment and economy, individuals' health and wellbeing and in bringing the community together.

"Here in the Royal Borough we have an outstanding collection of parks and open spaces which are popular and offer a great range of attractions for all ages.

"However we are continually striving for the best possible experience for residents and visitors, and the Green Flag programme has helped us focus our efforts."

The council plans to add two more parks to the scheme next year - Grenfell Park in Maidenhead and Alexandra Gardens/The Goswells in Windsor.

North Town Moor will be the first local entry in the Community Award scheme which recognises high quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups. A local volunteer group is at present transforming the moor's pond and open space.

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