Watford Council and environmental partner Veolia have been recognised for their work in improving local green spaces and parks.
Watford Council, and environmental partner Veolia, have been shortlisted for the ‘Best Service Team of the Year (Parks, Grounds and Horticulture Service) at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards 2023.
These awards are for all local authorities and their public-sector partners across the UK recognising frontline service teams and special initiatives.
The council and Veolia are being recognised for their ‘Green Spaces Strategy’, launched in 2013, to work in partnership and better invest and manage the open spaces in Watford.
The objectives were:
- To ensure green spaces are high quality, clean, attractive and well maintained
- Improve the existing green spaces contribution to the landscape, biodiversity and cultural value of Watford
- Increase sustainable approach to green spaces management
- Strengthen local community involvement and interest
- Work to have all dwellings within a walking distance threshold of at least green public space providing opportunities for informal recreation.
In line with this strategy there have been many improvements to the local parks, including improving the facilities at Oxhey Park with the implementation of new footpaths to ensure accessibility and rebuilding the steps to link the two elevations of the park together. In 2020, Oxhey Activity Park received enhanced facilities including: a café, playground and skate park. There have also been improvements at King George V Playing Fields, including a new rolled gravel pathway, installation of gym equipment and a community bike hub.
The central indicator to whether or not the above objectives have been achieved is the parks receiving a Green Flag award. The scheme was designed to encourage high standards in parks and green spaces, recognise diversity and the value of green spaces to those who use them. In 2013, only 3 of Watford’s parks had gained a Green Flag. In 2023, Watford won 17 Green Flag Awards, more than any other district in Hertfordshire for the seventh consecutive year. The significant improvement to the parks are a testament to the teams who work successfully to deliver a great service to Watford.
There have also been green community engagement initiatives launched such as ‘Throw and Grow’, where local schools, community groups and businesses are invited to create wildflower seed balls to spread around designated areas of the parks. In 2022, 450 children planted 7,000 bulbs across Watford in Callowland, Cassiobury Park, Watford Fields and more.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am delighted that the council and Veolia’s work is being recognised. When I was elected, I wanted to ensure that there was proper investment into our parks to ensure that all residents could enjoy and benefit from them. Whilst we are proud of the work we have done, we are continuing to make improvements to our green spaces, including Oxhey Activity Park, Meriden Park, Woodside Playing Fields and Lea Farm Recreation Ground.”
Darren Harding, Senior Contract Manager “We are delighted that we have been shortlisted for ‘Best Service Team of the Year (Parks, Grounds and Horticulture Service) at APSE 2023. Our teams work really hard to ensure that these spaces fall in line with the “Green Spaces Strategy” set out in 2013 and continue to ensure that community engagement is at the forefront of our work. The achievement of 17 green flags is a testament to the hard work of each and every one of the team”
Whilst this award is recognising the fantastic work that has already been done, the teams will continue to improve these areas and retain the 17 green flag parks in Watford. In line with this, there will be expansion to the ‘Throw and Grow’ initiative to help increase the community engagement, making sure that the community has a role in these spaces.
