With parks providing the perfect location for families during the school holidays, four of Newark and Sherwood District Council's parks have been recognised as some of the country's best green spaces with prestigious Green Flag Awards today (Wednesday July 28, 2010).

Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country. Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, Sherwood Avenue Park, Newark, Newark Castle and Gardens and Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone stood out after impressing the judges with their excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

This year has seen the highest number of awards handed out - a record 1,200 Green Flags and Green Pennants across the UK compared to 1,013 in 2009. Green Pennants are awarded to parks or green spaces managed by a community or voluntary group.

Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace.

Newark and Sherwood District Council's cabinet member for clean and green, Cllr Nora Armstrong, said: “I regularly use our parks myself for walking my dog so I'm as aware as anyone the need to keep them tidy, well maintained and accessible to everyone.

“The continued accreditation of the Green Flag awards at all four of our parks tells the public that we continue to provide some of the best open spaces in the country, right on their doorstep, offering leisure and relaxation space, history and culture and a safe environment to take your children.

“Our park rangers do a sterling job and play an integral part in the success of the parks as community hubs for learning and entertainment, as well as a free resource for play and exercise.”

Manager of the Green Flag Award Scheme, Paul Todd, said: “It's a remarkable achievement that so many parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year. The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community.

“As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces are of particular importance.”

The awards could not come at a better time as GreenSpace's 'Love Parks' week takes place between July 24 and August 1, during which people will be encouraged to enjoy the nation's parks and green spaces.