FIVE parks and green spaces across Worcester have once again been given the official thumbs up.
Gheluvelt Park, Fort Royal Park, Cripplegate Park, Riverside Park, and the grounds of Astwood Cemetery and Crematorium have all secured their Green Flag status – the international quality mark for parks and public spaces.
Coun Karen Lewing, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s environment committee, said: “We are proud that five of Worcester’s parks and green spaces have retained their Green Flag status for another year.
“The award recognises the quality of these important green spaces and the benefits they bring to residents and visitors alike.
“This achievement would not be possible without the dedication of the city council’s parks team and the invaluable support of volunteers who work together throughout the year to keep our parks looking their best.
“’Thank you to everyone involved.”
Over the past year, several improvements have been made to Cripplegate Park.
These include the introduction of wooden animal carvings, organised and funded by the Friends of Cripplegate Park.
There have also been council-funded enhancements such as a new half-court basketball hoop and accessible play equipment.
Elsewhere, St Andrew’s Gardens within Riverside Park have benefited from a significant programme of upgrades designed to improve accessibility and provide a more welcoming space for visitors.
At Gheluvelt Park, the historic bandstand has also been repaired and is ready to host performances throughout the summer holidays.
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving the Green Flag Award.
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that the spaces maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.
“It is important that our free-to-use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”
