The brief

Strategic Leisure Limited (SLL) was appointed by London Borough of Hackney to undertake sire assessments for four key parks in the Borough. The site assessments were undertaken using the Green Flag Award judging methodology.

A strategic approach to open space provision is increasingly being recognised as an essential way forward in ensuring open spaces meet the needs and aspirations of the people who use and live near them. The Green Flag Award Scheme is a nationally recognised standard, against which park and open spaces can be judged, to drive up standards in overall quality of provision.

Project Outcomes

SLL’s Consultants report included the following details with regard to the evaluation to all four parks and judging against criteria set by the Green Flag Award;

• Welcoming place; with regard to signage, access points and equal access for all
• Health, safe and secure; focusing on health and safety polices, safe equipment and facilities, and first aid, toilets and drinking water
• Well maintained and clean; for aesthetic reasons, health and safety issues i.e. cleanliness, buildings and equipment well maintained, and policies in place for litter, vandalism and maintenance
• Sustainability; high horticultural standards and respect for the environment with regard to energy conservation, pollution reduction and waste recycling
• Conservation and Heritage; natural features i.e. wildlife, landscape and structural features cared for and maintained
• Involving the community to encourage care and to report faults i.e. vandalism
• Marketing; implementing a strategy, provide information to users and effective promotion
• Management plan implemented to balance priorities of policies and financially sound management