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Alexandra Park awarded Green Flag despite global pandemic

  • Alexandra Park in Whalley Range has been granted the prestigious Green Flag Award in recognition of being an amazing green space
  • Friends of Alexandra Park worked tirelessly in order to gain the status during the pandemic
  • Heaton Park in Prestwich has also been awarded for its efforts

Friends of Alexandra Park have had their efforts rewarded as the Park is given Green Flag status for the first time in its history.

Alexandra Park, bordering Whalley Range and Moss Side, has met the requirements laid down by the Green Flag Award.

The award is the benchmark national standard for publically accessible parks and green spaces organised by charity Keep Britain Tidy.

In order attain the award the parks must meet the specific criteria in being; warm and inviting; appropriately facilitated and safe; well maintained and clean; a positive environmental influence; advocates for biodiversity and conservation; understanding and involving of the local community; effectively marketed and managed.

The Friends of Alexandra Park and local councillors have successfully risen to the challenges handed to them during the pandemic. One individual working on behalf of Alexandra Park, Matthew Langford said: “The award means a lot and it’s not just felt by the park staff. We’ve been in contact with the volunteers and those putting in the groundwork and the hours. It’s an international award and so not only will everyone in Manchester know it’s one of the best parks, hopefully now everybody across the world will know.”  

One Alexandra Park regular, Joe Loomes, spoke of his admiration: “I’m so chuffed that the park has got some recognition. It’s such a beautiful place, I’m a keen dog walker and it [Alexandra Park] has to be my favourite route in Manchester. I’ve been walking Busta and Snoop here for years now.

Joe’s Rottweiler, Busta

“It’s no surprise Heaton Park has been awarded a Green Flag too, there’s actually a lot of nice parks and green spaces in the city when you think about it. They’re a peaceful escape when the hustle and bustle gets a bit too much.”

“I mean you can still hear the noise of the cars and the traffic, and for the most part you can see the Hilton and the new Deansgate Square buildings, but you’re surrounded by concentrated greenery. Like I said it’s just a nice little escape.”

Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, Luthfur Rahman said: “Such recognition and appreciation for our parks is down to the commitment of the excellent park staff and wonderful volunteers who maintain these green spaces for the benefit of everyone.”