Victoria Park is voted the nation’s
favourite
Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets has beaten off
stiff competition to be crowned the nation’s favourite park in this
year’s prestigious People’s Choice Award.
Organised by Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag
Plus Partnership, which gives out Green Flag status to the best
open spaces in the country, Victoria Park came out on top against a
staggering1,424 parks and green spaces in the annual poll. More
than 7,000 votes were cast in the competition.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “I
am delighted that Victoria Park has been recognised nationally for
this prestigious award. The park recently underwent a multi-million
pound refurbishment and played a starring role during the London
2012 Games as a Live Site.
“Visitors from across the country and the
globe had the chance to see and use the excellent facilities on
offer.
“With more than 100 parks and open spaces in
the borough, Victoria Park is Tower Hamlets’ crown jewel. I would
like to congratulate our parks’ staff whose hard work ensures our
green spaces are maintained to such exceptional standards.”
The park draws in more than 275,000 visitors a
year to enjoy festivals and events which attract international
superstars and boasts of a year round community programme.
The park continues to grow in popularity after
its refurbishment which saw the restoration of historic monuments,
new play equipment, the creation of a new community facility and
café, the reintroduction of a Chinese Pagoda, improved planting, a
new skate park and better sports facilities.
Cllr Rania Khan, cabinet member for Culture
said: “This is fantastic news that Victoria Park has been voted the
best park in the country by the public as they are the best judges.
Residents are lucky to have such an amazing park on their
doorstep.”
Cllr Shahed Ali, cabinet member for
Environment added: The council prides itself on maintaining our
open spaces to a high standard as they provide essential
recreation, play and leisure facilities.”
Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd
said: "With more than 7000 votes for the People’s Choice Award, it
is fantastic to see how much people value their green spaces,
recognising the richness they bring to their lives.
“There is a fantastic range of winning sites
from university campuses to cemeteries, proving that it's not just
traditional parks which provide places for people to relax and
enjoy time out from the frantic pace of modern life.”
For more information about the People’s Choice
Award and Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag scheme visit http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/
November 19, 2012