Oxford City Council has retained all six Green Flag awards for its parks.
The awards, which recognise the best green spaces throughout the country, have been given to Blackbird Leys, Bury Knowle, Cutteslowe & Sunnymead, Florence and Hinksey parks and St Sepulchre Cemetery.
In awarding the prize, the judges who visited Florence Park commented: “Keep up the good work; all staff should be proud of the overall appearance and standard maintained.”
Similarly, at Hinksey Park the judges deemed the park: “A very well considered and cared-for openspace, with dedicated staff and volunteers, which is a great example of everything that a Green Flag park should be”.
Florence and Hinksey parks are Oxford’s longest standing Green Flag award winners, with both now celebrating 10 years of holding the honour.
The six Oxford parks are among a record-breaking 1,883 parks and green spaces across the UK that have received prestigious Green Flag Awards.
The award, now celebrating its 20th year, 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 beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Awards are given annually, with winners re-applying to renew their Green Flag Status. Each individual site is judged on its own merits, its sustainability and how it serves the community.
Councillor Louise Upton, Executive Board Member for Healthy Oxford, said: “It is a huge honour to retain Green Flag Status for our five flagship parks and St Sepulchre Cemetery.
“These awards are evidence of the hard work that the City Council’s parks team puts in every day to maintain and improve the sites. Oxford is also very lucky to have committed groups of volunteers from the local community who are crucial to keeping many of our green spaces in such good condition.
Oxford’s parks and open spaces are a great place to visit throughout the year, whether it’s to have a picnic, use the play areas, see the beautiful flora and fauna, play sports or just read a book.”
A full list of award-winning parks can be found on the Green Flag Awards website.
Share your photos, comments and find out what’s going on in your local parks and open spaces by visiting our Parks pages.
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