Ripon Spa Gardens ninth green flag award
21 July 2009
Ripon Spa Gardens has been awarded a ninth consecutive Green Flag.
A Green Flag is the national award for high standards in public open spaces.
The judges look for parks and open spaces that have a high quality landscape; are welcoming, safe, clean and well maintained.
They also look for those that are sustainable and also involve the local community.
When awarded their first Green Flag in 2001, Ripon Spa Gardens was the only park in Yorkshire to achieve this standard.
This year, the judges said:
"The floral displays were outstanding in Ripon Spa Gardens."
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of regional tourism agency, Welcome to Yorkshire, says this ninth Green Flag is a great achievement.
He added:
"It is testimony to the skills of the council's parks team and continued investment by Harrogate Borough Council, coupled with the benefit of support from the Gardens' Friends' Group.
"Everywhere I go across the region, people always have something good to say about the standard of Harrogate district's parks, open spaces and floral exhibits.
With majestic floral displays and a manicured bowling green together with a traditional bandstand and the renowned Sun Parlour Café, the Spa Gardens are a joy to visit."
Spa Gardens is a beautiful park right in the heart of Ripon with something for everyone.
As well as proudly flying the Green Flag for the ninth year running, the Gardens also boast Ripon's war memorial, which has taken the Best War memorial in the 'town class' several times in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
It was also voted joint Best Park with Leeds Roundhay Park in 2006.
For birdwatchers, carefully sited nesting boxes have encouraged many varieties; there are outdoor games and a Green Men fun trail for younger visitors.
Media contact:
Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager, 01423 556022 email
lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk or mobile 07525 987921 or 07884 226409