Dock Park awarded prestigious benchmark for quality outdoor space Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced today (Thursday 21 July) that a record breaking number of parks from across Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award, including Dock Park from Dumfries and Galloway, in recognition of its high standards and provision of quality outdoor space.
The Green Flag Award, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is a benchmark for quality green space. Dock Park, run by Dumfries and Galloway Council, joins almost 70 others from across the country that are celebrating receiving the award.
The announcement confirmed that a raft of Green Flag Award parks Scotland wide retained their Green Flag titles, with Barnhill Rock Garden in Dundee and both Braidburn Valley Park and Harrison Park in Edinburgh receiving the award for the tenth year running. Seaton Park in Aberdeen, The Helix in Falkirk and Castlebank Park in South Lanarkshire were amongst those presented with the award for the first time, along with the first cemetery, New Dumbarton Cemetery in West Dunbartonshire, to be awarded.
Councillor Colin Smyth, chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said: “I am delighted that Dock Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award for the third year running. This shows the investment made in the regeneration of the Park has been a success with both local families and visitors enjoying the Park including the many activities on offer.”
“Dock Park has fantastic involvement from the local community with a great example being The Friends of Dock Park who have supported the regeneration since 2010.
“A lot of hard work has been put into getting to where we are today with this historic park and this achievement is a reward for all those involved in these efforts.”
All parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in park management, conservation or ecology. Applicants are judged against testing criteria which includes
assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming, safe, well maintained and secure.
Dr Lindsay Montgomery, CBE, Chairman of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Good quality green space is vital to the health and wellbeing of local communities, families and individuals – that is why It is fantastic to see Scotland’s parks and green
spaces going from strength to strength.
“More Scottish parks are flying the Green Flag Award than ever before. This record breaking number is a testament to the hard work and determination of park managers, local authorities and volunteers.
“It is great to see such a concerted effort across Scotland to improve our open spaces. We are proud of all our award winners, who work year round, to make Scotland’s parks and public spaces beautiful.”
To be considered for the awards, the park managing authority must apply. Further information on how to see your local park involved in the Green Flag Awards can be found at: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/greenflagaward
