00:00Parks are places to exercise, spend time with family and friends or simply take a break from busy city life.
00:07Now eight parks and green spaces across the city have been recognised among the best in the country after receiving
00:12Green Flag Awards.
00:14The international awards run by Keep Britain Tidy recognises parks that meet high standards for environmental and operational management,
00:22creating spaces that are clean, safe and welcoming for visitors.
00:25This year's successful sites include some of Liverpool's most well-known green spaces.
00:31Sefton Park has retained its Green Flag status for the 19th consecutive year, while Springfield Park has achieved the award
00:38for the first time.
00:39The full list of recognised sites include Sefton Park, Croxteth Park, Otterspool Park, Reynolds Park, Springfield Park, Everton Nature Garden
00:47and Shabazz Park.
00:49Friends of Norris Green Park has also received a Green Flag Community Award for the Community Hub Wildlife and Formal
00:55Gardens.
00:56Six of the successful parks are managed by Liverpool City Council, while Shabazz Park is managed by Liverpool One.
01:02The awards follow mystery shop style visits where judges assess areas including cleanliness, the condition of facilities, flower beds and
01:11litter management.
01:12Liverpool City Council says the achievement reflects ongoing investment in the city's green spaces.
01:18The council secured a £4.2 million capital programme over the next few years, including plans to replace 33 play
01:26areas and introduce new signage, bins and benches.
01:29Additional grounds maintenance staff have also been brought in to support the care of parks, trees and lakes.
01:34One of this year's highlights is Everton Nature Garden, which has returned to the Green Flag programme after last holding
01:40the award in 2008.
01:42Judges said the renewed entry showed the effort and dedication of the team involved, adding that spaces such as the
01:49Nature Garden provide an important green escape where the focus is on community, health and education.
01:56Shabazz Park at Liverpool One has now held Green Flag status for 14 consecutive years and has also retained its
02:02Green Heritage Site accreditation for a third year.
02:05Green Flag judges praised the park's approach to combining nature, heritage and visitor experiences, including its nature and heritage trails
02:13and the preservation of the old dock in partnership with National Museums Liverpool.
02:17Councilor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Street Scene, said the awards recognise the
02:26dedication of parks teams and local communities working to keep spaces clean, safe and welcoming.
02:32Paul Tard, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said parks are essential public spaces that support wellbeing, communities
02:40and the economy.
02:42He said investment in parks is a practical way to improve people's quality of life, particularly at a time when
02:47public services are under pressure.
02:49The awards mean more Liverpool green spaces are now internationally recognised, celebrating the work of staff, volunteers and communities helping
02:58to maintain them.
