Bolton Council has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award for Queens Park in Bolton for the second year in a row, following its recent restoration.
The Green Flag is a national scheme which recognises and rewards the best green spaces across the country.
The park is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space. Now into its third decade, the award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Queens Park, which opened in May 1866 and is Grade II listed, has been restored and enhanced, working sympathetically with its original Victorian design. The work was funded by a £4.3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with additional funding by Bolton Council.
Work included dredging the lakes, recreating the carved stone fountain, rebuilding Dobson Bridge and refurbishing other footbridges across the River Croal, restoring the listed statues, and resurfacing footpaths. Furthermore, new seats and information boards have been installed, parking facilities increased, a new café and play area have been built and many new flowering plants, trees and shrubs have been planted.
In addition the council has refurbished the tennis court and multi-use games area, demolished a derelict toilet block and installed an outdoor gym which is proving very popular.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Green Flag for a second year, which recognises the hard work which has been put into restoring Queens Park. The park celebrated its 150thanniversary last year and provides an invaluable community facility, of which we are proud.
“We know that residents love the restored park too. Families are coming in increasing numbers to enjoy the park, play on the play area, meet friends, walk their dogs, get some exercise or just relax, enjoy a picnic, and have a coffee or ice cream at the café. Parks bring communities together and that’s why Queens Park is so important to the people of Bolton.
“We hope that the Green Flag award encourages even more visitors from Bolton and further afield to come and enjoy this very special park.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.
“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
