One of Liverpool’s most beautiful parks has been given a very special birthday present.
Almost a year to the day after Stanley Park officially re-opened following a £14m restoration, the 111-acre park has been awarded national recognition for its exceptional high quality – the prestigious Green Flag.
During its two-year regeneration project the 140-year-old park, which famously sits between Anfield and Goodison Park football stadiums, was transformed with new landscaping, the original third lake was reinstated, specialist stonemasons restored bridges and intricate ironwork was replaced throughout the park.
And the work saw the transformation of one of the park’s historic gems – the Isla Gladstone Conservatory. The run-down shell was taken down piece-by-piece (5,115 parts in total) and repaired or restored. Using 1,483 panes of glass, the Grade II listed conservatory, which first opened in 1899, was re-glazed and laid onto brand new foundations and now the iconic structure sits proudly at the heart of the park and community, hosting a whole range of events from weddings to match day entertainment.
Stanley Park joins 16 other parks and gardens across the city which have also received the sought-after accolade.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Tim Moore, said: “This is fantastic news and I’m delighted that all 17 parks we entered for the award scooped the top prize.
“It’s wonderful that just one year after officially re-opening, Stanley Park can fly the green flag – it’s the perfect birthday present to mark the hard work and commitment of all the team and community involved.
“The awards are a real credit to everyone involved from the Parks and Greenspaces department, the gardeners from Glendale-Liverpool Ltd, Friends of Groups , right through to local residents and community groups.
“We want to make sure our parks and gardens are places residents and visitors want to spend time, and knowing that they have received national recognition for their excellence will hopefully encourage even more people to make the most of the green havens on their doorsteps.”
The 17 Green Flag Flying parks are:
· Anfield Crematorium Memorial Garden
· Belle Vale Park
· Calderstones Park
· Devonfield Garden
· Doric Park
· Everton Park Nature Garden
· Falkner Square Garden
· Greenbank Park
· Larkhill Gardens
· Otterspool Promenade
· Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Garden
· Reynolds Park
· Springwood Crematorium Memorial Gardens
· St John’s Gardens
· Stanley Park
· Woolton Woods and Camphill
· Croxteth Hall and Country Park
The parks and gardens must meet demanding criteria which includes conservation and heritage, community involvement, excellent facilities, good signage, health and safety, security and it must be a welcoming place.
Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, said: “It’s a remarkable achievement that so many Liverpool parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year. The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community.
“As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance.”
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