Southwark tops the Parks for London league table 2019.
Southwark has topped the Parks for London league table for overall best park service 2019.
In its report, Good Parks for London Report 2019 – Parks and health, Parks for London considers the approach that each London borough takes towards its parks, evaluating them against 10 criteria: public satisfaction, awards for quality, health and well-being, sustainability, events, supporting nature, skills development, community partnerships, collaboration and strategic planning.
Southwark scored well in a number of categories, including public satisfaction, provision of health, fitness and well-being facilities and activities; and in developing the skills of parks staff by offering apprenticeships and training and development for staff at every level.
Southwark has 30 Green Flag parks as well as offering a range of free facilities available to help residents keep active and enjoy the outdoors.
Burgess Park has children’s play areas, a water play feature, football pitches, outdoor gyms, tennis courts and a national standard BMX track that has bred Olympic hopefuls.
Over the past year Southwark’s parks have played host to 79 community and charity events, there has been a 57 per cent increase in water fountain provision and 95 per cent of residents were happy with Southwark’s parks and open spaces.
Councillor Richard Livingstone, Southwark council’s cabinet member for environment, transport and the climate emergency, said: “This is a really fantastic result for Southwark and a great achievement for all of our staff and volunteers who work so hard to make our parks the best they can be for our residents.
“Our parks are at the heart of our communities and play host to some fantastic events throughout the year.
“As a central London borough where most people do not have their own garden, it is particularly important for our residents to have access to excellent open spaces.
“I am incredibly proud that the quality and investment in our parks has been recognised and celebrated.”
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