Fingers crossed for flag success

Fingers are now crossed that the hard work that goes on in our parks every week will be rewarded with Green Flag awards again this year.

Applications for the annual awards have now been submitted to Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the scheme in partnership with BTCV and Greenspace, and five parks will be visited by the judges in May before the announcement is made later in the year.

Last year five of the borough's parks were nationally recognised as quality green spaces. Aberford Park in Borehamwood secured a Green Flag Award for the second year and King George Recreation Ground in Bushey for the 11th year. In Potters Bar both Parkfield and Oakmere Park gained flags - Oakmere held the flag from 2002 to 2007 but missed out in 2008 before re-claiming it in 2009, while Parkfield was awarded it for the first time.

Fishers Field Nature Reserve in Bushey also received a Green Pennant Award for the first time in 2009. This award is for green spaces that are managed by voluntary and community groups.  The reserve is managed by the Friends of Fishers Field with the support of the council.

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder with responsibility for parks, said: "We were thrilled to get five awards last year so our fingers are crossed that the judges will be impressed again this year.

“These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our parks officers, ground maintenance team at John O'Conner and friends groups who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the parks are clean, safe and welcoming.

"All five parks offer a wide range of recreational activities to local people of all ages and are free to use."

Thanks go to Borehamwood Four Parks Friends Group, Friends of King George Recreation Ground, Friends of Fishers Field and Friends of Potters Bar Parks who all volunteer their time to make the parks a special place to visit.

If you’re visiting, don’t forget to take your rubbish home with you or use one of the recycling points located throughout each park. And most of all - enjoy yourself!