“We are lucky to have these areas for our enjoyment, which over the past 18 months have become even more important” – Green Flag Awards for eight of Salford’s open spaces

Eight of Salford’s parks and open spaces are celebrating either receiving or retaining their Green Flag Awards, revealing that they are some of the best in the country.

Peel Park is one of the green spaces that maintained its Green Flag status.

David Marsden, secretary for Friends of Peel Park, said: “The Green Flag status was awarded following the redevelopment of the park after a large heritage lottery fund grant was given to the park.

“A mystery judge comes to view the park annually to observe the park and check that the required standards are there.”

Thanks to all who joined our #GreatBigGreenWeek gardening session this morning. Great to see some new faces too ! pic.twitter.com/FENWouIZIz

— Friends of Peel Park Salford (@FriendsPeel) September 18, 2021

Agecroft Cemetery, Blackleach Country Park, Boothsbank Park, Clifton Park, Peel Park, Victoria Park, Winton Park and Peel Green Cemetery are those in Salford that have been awarded.

The parks and open spaces are judged on eight different sectors. From their safety, maintenance and landscape to their community involvement and management.

David said: “We are lucky to have these areas for our enjoyment, which over the last 18 months have become even more important as users used their local outdoor spaces more than ever.”

Peel Park has even made an appearance on the new Salford Monopoly board.

According to Salford City Council, Peel Park was the first public park to officially open in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription.

David said: “A lot of hard work has been put into the park during the last year so we would have been disappointed if the status had not been maintained.

“The success of the park is down to lots of people, Salford City Council and their ground maintenance and cleansing teams, our wonderful park ranger and of course the volunteers who give up their free time to garden, sweep, litter pick, help with events and keep the park looking so good.”

Thanks to all who joined in today's litter pick including councillors @Michele14899991 and @WilsonNkurunzi4 . The park looking spotlessly clean again ! pic.twitter.com/OVdyIRByWj

— Friends of Peel Park Salford (@FriendsPeel) September 12, 2021

In the future, we might be seeing more sculptures around the park. Discussing this, David said: “At the moment we are happy with the park.

“We would like to see more sculptures in the park and there is a lot of scope to add more features over on the Crescent Meadow with improvements to the pond area.”