Nine parks have won the coveted Green Flag award across Redbridge for being among the best open spaces in the country.
The awards from the Keep Britain Tidy environment organisation are for maintaining some of the best-kept parks and green spaces in the UK.
“Our staff brave all weathers to keep these parks in pristine condition,” Redbridge Council’s deputy leader Kam Rai said. “Visitors also respect the green spaces by not littering.”
Among them is Valentines Park in Ilford with its children’s play areas, tennis courts, outdoor gym and the gardens of the Grade II-listed Valentines Mansion.
Plans have also been approved for a lido with a six-lane swimming pool, children's splash pad, café and dance studio, set to open in autumn next year.
Hainault Forest, one of the other Green Flag winners, was also voted last year in the ‘top ten parks in the UK' in the People’s Choice awards, following a £7million restoration.
Keep Britain Tidy’s awards manager Paul Todd said: “Redbridge parks are vital green spaces. It is important that they are maintained to award standard, making them accessible to the public and ensuring the environment is protected.”
The nine winners are Claybury Park, Clayhall Park, Elmhurst Gardens, Goodmayes Park, Hainault Forest, Ilford War Memorial, Seven Kings Park, South Park and Valentines Park.
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