Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 14th, 2026
•Hull Road Park in York has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking it as one of the best parks in the country. This honour comes as the award celebrates its 30th anniversary, and Hull Road Park is now officially recognised among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK that have achieved this status in 2026. The announcement was made on 14 July 2026, and it coincides beautifully with the park's 99th birthday, making it a thrilling time for both the park and the community.
Significance of the Award
The Green Flag Award is a symbol of excellence in park management and environmental standards, managed by the charity Keep Britain Tidy. It aims to recognise parks that are well-maintained, safe, and accessible to everyone. This year, Hull Road Park has earned its place as a new entry, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the teams, volunteers, and community groups that help care for this green space.
In addition to Hull Road Park, several other parks in York have also been awarded the Green Flag status. These include:
Rowntree Park
West Bank Park
Glen Gardens
Clarence Gardens
All of these parks have successfully retained their Green Flag status for 2026, showcasing York's commitment to maintaining high-quality green spaces.
Community Efforts
Councillor Jenny Kent, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, expressed her enthusiasm about receiving the award:
“What a way to celebrate Hull Road Park’s 99th year! We couldn’t be more delighted to receive a new Green Flag here, and to see Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens once again being recognised among the very best parks and green spaces in the country.”
She highlighted that the award is a testament to the dedication of council staff, volunteers, and local environmental groups. Their combined efforts have led to significant improvements in the park, including the establishment of endangered species like the water vole, which now thrive in the cleaner waters of Hull Road Park.
Importance of Parks
Parks play a crucial role in the wellbeing of communities. Paul Todd MBE, the Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, stated:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.”
He emphasised that investing in parks is not just a luxury; it is necessary for enhancing the quality of life for everyone, particularly in areas that may feel less safe or welcoming.
As public services face challenges, maintaining and improving parks becomes even more important. Todd praised the City of York Council for demonstrating what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. He expressed hope that every community will have access to safe and well-maintained green spaces like Hull Road Park.
Future Plans
As Hull Road Park approaches its 100th birthday, there are plans for further improvements. Councillor Kent mentioned the recent launch of a Parks Investment Fund, aimed at enhancing outdoor spaces, which are vital for play, relaxation, and community connections. The goal is to create environments where both nature and people can thrive.
This investment is seen as long overdue, and the upcoming centenary celebrations are expected to highlight the continued commitment to enhancing York's parks. The community is encouraged to participate and celebrate these improvements, contributing to a shared sense of pride in their local green spaces.
Green Flag Award Scheme
The Green Flag Award scheme not only recognises parks but also sets a benchmark for the management of green spaces across the UK and beyond. Open to any green space that is accessible to the public, parks must reapply annually to retain their Green Flag status. This ensures that standards remain high and that parks continue to meet the needs of their communities.
With Hull Road Park now proudly displaying the Green Flag, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a park that is not only beautiful but also well-managed and welcoming. This recognition serves as an encouragement for other parks to strive for excellence, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of quality green spaces.