Stunning Success For Dock Park – Dumfries

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced that a record breaking 73 parks from across Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award this year. The awards are in recognition of their high standards and provision of quality outdoor space – with Dock Park being awarded in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Green Flag Award, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is the benchmark for green space. Dock Park, run by Dumfries and Galloway Council, has received the award acknowledging the quality outdoor space that it provides and the wider benefits it delivers for communities – including enabling and encouraging exercise, improving mental well-being and encouraging play for child development.
Dumfries and Galloway Council joins other local authorities, universities and community groups who are amongst the 2017 award winners. For the first time, awards were received by Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, Silver Sands and Hawkcraig Point and Haugh Park in Fife and Dundee Law, Dundee.
Communities Committee Chairman Cllr Andy Ferguson and Vice-Chair Cllr John Martin, commented:
“We are delighted that Dock Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award for the fourth year in succession. 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.
“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. The Park will host Youth Beatz next month, and is always buzzing at this time of year with the school holidays. If you’re a visitor to Dumfries, take the time to pay the park a visit.”
Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful commented:
“I would like to congratulate Dumfries and Galloway Council for receiving this prestigious benchmark at Dock Park this year. It is pleasing to see their continued success and the number of Green Flag Awards in Scotland increasing year on year.
“Good quality green open spaces are vital to the health and wellbeing of local communities, families and individuals. Parks and open spaces are a fantastic asset – they are free to use and provide opportunities to exercise and socialise.
“With more Scottish parks flying the Green Flag Award than ever before, this record breaking number is a testament to the determination of park managers, local authorities and volunteers – whose hard work in turn brings about a raft of wider impacts on the community as a whole.”

The Awards have gained the support of NHS Health Scotland and greenspace Scotland – for helping to support quality outdoor environments and facilitate the wider health benefits. Full comments can be accessed here.
All parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in parks management, conservation or ecology. Applicants are judged against demanding criteria which include assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming and well-maintained.
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/parks