Wednesday 22 July, 2009
Guildford's historic Castle Grounds, Stoke Park, Sutherland Memorial Park, and Riverside Nature Reserve have been named as four of the best parks in England and Wales by the Civic Trust in the Green Flag Awards 2009.
This is the first Green Flag award for the Castle Grounds, the second for Riverside, third for Stoke Park and sixth for Sutherland Memorial Park. The Green Flag scheme is the national standard for quality parks and green spaces. Winners are judged to be welcoming and well maintained with the support and involvement of the local community.
Cllr Terence Patrick, Lead Councillor for Parks and Countryside, says: "These awards are great news for residents and visitors who can enjoy our award-winning parks. They also recognise the hard work put in by our parks team and local volunteers who help to keep our green open spaces in tip top condition."
Guildford Castle Grounds in the town centre were opened as public gardens in 1888. Attractions include colourful floral displays around the 11th Century castle keep, an historic bowling green, music concerts in the band stand and open-air theatre in the summer months.
Stoke Park on London Road covers 150 acres. It contains Stoke Park Gardens and Burchatts’ Farm Barn, which is a popular function venue. Regular events at Stoke Park include Surrey County Agricultural Show and GuilFest. It is also home to a free to use paddling pool and a crazy golf course.
Sutherland Memorial Park in Burpham is home to football, cricket, tennis, bowls and basketball facilities. It also has two play areas, a putting course and features seasonal bedding and ornamental shrubs.
Riverside Nature Reserve is an 80-hectare site close to the A3 with a special emphasis on nature conservation and habitat creation. The reserve consists of four main habitats – meadow, wetland, open water and woodland.
For more information on parks and open spaces across the borough visit our leisure pages.
For more information on the Green Flag awards and winners, visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk (this page opens in a new window).
PR and Marketing
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444328
Email: pr@guildford.gov.uk