Seventeen Watford parks awarded Green Flag awards – the most in Hertfordshire

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor at the launch opening of Oxhey Activity Park
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor at the launch opening of Oxhey Activity Park

Watford’s green spaces have been granted more Green Flag awards than any other district in Hertfordshire for the sixth year running...

Watford’s green spaces have been granted more Green Flag awards than any other district in Hertfordshire for the sixth year running, and the Town Hall will be joining buildings and landmarks across the country illuminated in green to celebrate this year’s Green Flag Award success

In total, seventeen parks and open spaces in Watford were awarded Green Flag awards, recognising the work of Watford Borough Council and Veolia to champion these areas and keep them clean and safe for the public’s use. The awards acknowledge areas with the highest possible environmental, maintenance and visitor standards and the five new Green Flag awarded parks include Garston Park, KGV Playing Fields, Lea Farm Rec, Oxhey Activity Park and Oxhey Grange/Watford Heath.

Gartson Park

Other awards given to parks in the town throughout the year include Oxhey Activity Park receiving the Herts Service to Sport Award, and also being shortlisted at the Building for the Futures Awards and Landscape Institute Awards, as well as Cassiobury Park receiving a Green Heritage Site Award. Both parks were also recognised by Keep Britain Tidy, with Cassiobury Park nominated as one of the top 10 parks in the UK and Oxhey Park in the top 25.

New entrance sign of Watford FC 1919-20 squad installed at King George V Playing Fields

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “When I speak to residents, many of them tell me that our fantastic parks and green spaces are one of the things they like most about Watford. That’s why I’m pleased that we’ve got the highest number of green flags in Hertfordshire, and one of the highest in the country.

“When I was elected as Mayor I committed to continued investments in improving our parks, we are making great progress and it is wonderful to be recognised for this while we continue to make improvements such as Oxhey Activity Park, Garston Park, Woodside Playing Fields and Lea Farm Recreation Ground.”

“There is strong evidence that open green spaces have a huge impact on people's health and well-being and we are committed to enabling people access to places where they can connect with nature, take exercise and also have fun. I would also like to thank Veolia staff and the ‘Friends of’ groups who do so much to keep our parks in a good condition.”

Cheslyn HouseDarren Harding, Senior Contract Manager at Veolia said: “We are absolutely delighted to have retained the 12 Green Flags and be awarded a further five making the grand total 17. The awards are so important for recognising the value of our parks and green spaces to both biodiversity and people’s health and well-being. I would like to thank the Parks and Open spaces team at Veolia for their hard work in preserving these environments, the support from Watford Borough Council and   the volunteers and community groups that have also contributed to making 2021 another record breaking year for Watford’s parks.”

The 2021 Green Flag status parks in Watford are: Callowland Recreation Ground, Cassiobury Park, Cheslyn House and Gardens, Garston Park, Goodwood Recreation Ground, Harwoods Recreation Ground, KGV Playing Fields, Lea Farm Rec, North Watford Cemetery, Orchard Park, Oxhey Activity Park, Oxhey Grange/Watford Heath, Oxhey Park, Paddock Road Allotments, St Mary’s Churchyard, Waterfields Recreation Ground and Woodside Playing Fields.

Old photo of Cassiobury parkThis huge success has been achieved thanks to a strong partnership between Watford Borough Council and Veolia. You can find out more on our Watford parks section.

Published: 12th October 2021

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