Hull Road Park in York raises prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces
City of York Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Hull Road Park.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Hull Road Park is one of a record-breaking 2,391 sites in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams, volunteers and community groups who care for York’s green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
The award marks a particularly significant achievement for Hull Road Park, which secured Green Flag status as a new entry this year following judging in April.
The park joins York’s other Green Flag Award-winning sites: Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens, all of which have successfully retained their prestigious status for 2026.
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said:
“What a way to celebrate Hull Road Park’s 99th year! We couldn’t be more delighted to receive a new Green Flag here, and to see Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens once again being recognised among the very best parks and green spaces in the country.
“This is down to the dedication, skill, and commitment of Council staff, volunteers, ward Councillors, Environmental and Friends of Groups, and I am hugely grateful to everyone who helps look after our parks and green spaces. The improvements for our community and for nature, with endangered water vole now established in the cleaner water at Hull Road Park, are significant. We launched our recent Parks Investment Fund because outdoor spaces are vital for people to play, relax and connect – both with nature and each other, and investment is long overdue.
“This independent badge of excellence from an internationally recognised body is a tribute to our collective commitment and is something the whole city can be proud of. Roll on Hull Road Park’s 100th birthday, when we can celebrate further park improvements both there, and across York.”
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.
“City of York Council have 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.”
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.