Members of City of York Council's parks and open spaces team are celebrating today (16 July) after three of the city's open spaces were awarded prestigious Green Flag Awards.

Baroness Kay Andrews, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, today announced that Rowntree Park, Glen Gardens and West Bank Park have all been awarded the flag.

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

Dave Meigh, head of parks and open spaces at City of York Council, said: "I'm delighted that three of the city's open spaces have received the Green Flag Award, particulalrly as this is the fourth year running that Rowntree Park has been given the accolade and the third year running for Glen Gardens.

"It would not have been possible to maintain the open spaces at the high standards required for the award had it not been for the help and support of the local community, especially the Friends of Rowntree and West Bank parks and the Glen Gardens Bowls Association. Other organisations such as Yorkcare, the Probation Service, the Scouts and Greenworks have also played a huge role in our success.

"The awards are recognition of their support and of the hard work and dedication of our parks team, which works all year round to maintain the environment for residents and visitors."

A record 551 Green Flag Awards have been awarded to sites across the country.

Paul Todd, the Green Flag Award scheme’s programme manager, said: “We are once again delighted with the huge growth in winners, highlighting the importance quality green spaces play in our communities. These winning sites are all freely accessible to the public, providing time out from the stresses of modern day life.

“Well done to the many dedicated parks staff, friends groups and passionate individuals who have worked hard to provide these vital green spaces which help improve the quality of life for everyone."