Crescent Garden and Stanley Park in Gosport have been granted prestigious Green Flag Awards after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Gosport Borough Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Crescent Garden in Alverstoke and Stanley Park near Stokes Bay.
Crescent Garden in Alverstoke was originally designed in the 19th century and includes a small fountain featuring Neo-Classic dolphins, some magnificent old trees including a Black Mulberry tree planted to mark Operation Overlord. The Friends of Crescent Garden voluntary group organise activities, events, and care for the space in partnership with the Council.
Stanley Park near Stokes Bay is home to an Italianate Garden and pinetum including some trees which are over 150 years old. The Friends of Stanley Park community group organise litter picks, fundraisers and cultural events in the park.
Councillor Zoe Huggins, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "Green Flag status is the gold standard for parks and green spaces in the UK, so these awards are a testament to the hard work of our parks teams and the 'Friends of' community groups that look after these special places."
About the Green Flag Awards
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
The recognition comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. The awards recognise the hard work, passion and dedication of the team and volunteers who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.
"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.
"Gosport Borough Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
Two Gosport parks recognised as among the country's best - Gosport Borough Council
