EAST Belfast's Knocknagoney Park has today been announced as the latest Belfast park to receive the Green Flag Award which recognises the best green spaces in the UK.
Knocknagoney is the 15th park to receive the award in Belfast, with the 14 other parks retaining their awards from previous years.
The Green Flag Awards are judged by volunteer expert judges who visit sites and assess against eight set criteria, including cleanliness, sustainability and conservation.
Chair of the People and Communities Committee Councillor Julie Anne Corr Johnston said: "Parks are first and foremost community spaces to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and the fact that our standards have been recognised as among the best is a big boost for Belfast.
"It is an achievement for staff who work hard every day to maintain these standards. It is also a signal to local communities of just how much of an asset their local park can be – offering space for everything from exercise to fun, free family events, to learning about our environment.
"Many of these awards have been achieved by local parks, not just the bigger ones which host major events such as Rose Week or Féile an Phobaíl. It is because local communities are working with us to make them the best they can be for everyone in the community that parks are prospering."
The Belfast parks that have retained their awards are Botanic Gardens; Barnett Demesne; Belmont Grove; Cavehill Country Park; Dunville; Lagan Meadows; Musgrave; Ormeau; Falls; Roselawn Cemetery; Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park; Woodvale and Waterworks Park.
A total of 43 awards went to parks throughout Northern Ireland, and 6 in the Republic of Ireland, along with various other green spaces throughout the UK.
Minister of the environment Mark H. Durkan said: "Parks enhance the quality of life for so many of us, particularly those living in urban areas.
"I am delighted to see colleagues from An Taisce at today’s awards and, as the Green Flag Awards scheme expands across the island, I am confident it will go from strength to strength improving our green spaces for the benefit of everyone."
