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Green Flag Status for Florence Park
Released on 22 Jul 2008
Florence Park has joined Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park and Hinksey Park in receiving Green Flag status.
The achievement means that Oxford now has three parks recognised as being amongst the best parks and green spaces in the country.
Green Flag judges recently inspected all three parks, which are maintained and run by Oxford City Council.
John Todd, Chair of The Friends of Florence Park, says: "I am delighted that Florence Park has been awarded a Green Flag.
"The park is one of Oxford's "hidden" gems - at the heart of the local community, yet also attracting visitors from far and wide.
"The Friends group has worked closely with the council in suggesting a variety of improvements, so that people of all ages can continue to enjoy our park.
"Above all, it is recognition of the hard work put in by the Parks staff in keeping the park so lovely and deserving of this award."
Florence Park was opened in 1934 after the land was presented to the city by Councillor F.E. Moss in memory of his sister Florence. It is known for its traditional flowerbeds, children's play area, bowls green, tennis courts and miniature golf course.
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park is the largest in Oxford and has two children's play areas, football pitches, a cricket square, a bowls green, a duck pond, an 18-control orienteering course and dozens of ornamental flower beds. The park also has its own miniature railway line, miniature golf course and an aviary.
Hinksey Park is situated next to the river and has an outdoor swimming pool and splash feature, a boating lake, tennis courts, and a children's play area.
Councillor Bob Timbs, Executive Member for Leisure and Sport, says: "It is fantastic news that we now have three parks recognised in this way.
"The residents of Oxford greatly value the green and open spaces within the city and make good use of them, so it is appropriate that Oxford should be home to the first parks in the county to be awarded Green Flag Status.
"Open spaces and parks are a vital part of our community and it is essential that we continue to provide good quality green space for both residents and tourists, we are proud that three of our parks are among the best in the country."
Applicants are judged against eight categories: a feeling of welcome, health and safety, maintenance, sustainability, conservation and heritage, community involvement, marketing and management. The scheme is open to any parks or green spaces freely accessible to the public, ranging from allotments, nature reserves and crematoriums to large country parks hosting major events.
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Copyright © Oxford City Council 2008
Oxford City Council
