Christchurch Park, owned by Ipswich Borough Council, has been named ‘Local Favourite’ in the UK’s Favourite Parks Award for 2022 after being voted for by members of the public.
As the first public park in Ipswich, opening in 1895, Christchurch Park extends over 33 hectares of picturesque grounds right in the heart of the town.
The annual UK’s Favourite Parks Awards are a national awards scheme which aims to recognise some of the best green spaces across the country as nominated by the people that use them
The awards are run using a nomination period which then progresses to a public vote meaning this award is a reflection of not only Ipswich residents, but all visitors to the park.
Councillor Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment & Climate Change, says:
“I am thrilled that what we all know here in Ipswich to be an amazing green space has been nationally recognised as such.
“We have a true passion and dedication for our open spaces in Ipswich and this award is a testament to the hard work put in by both the Council’s Parks and Opens Spaces team as well as the Friends of Christchurch Park and everyone should be incredibly proud of this achievement.
“I would like to thank everyone who cast their vote in favour of Christchurch Park and encourage residents to make use of these beautiful grounds.”
Chair Peter Gray, Friends of Christchurch Park, says:
“We are delighted that Christchurch Park has been recognised as a ‘Local Favourite’. The park offers a beautiful green space in the very centre of Ipswich and this award shows really clearly just how important it is to the local community.
“Today, with so many parks across the country facing significant challenges, this award gives us much encouragement. Nothing is more important to a park than the support and involvement of its local community and users. I would like to thank everyone who voted for Christchurch Park.”
As well as winning the accolade of ‘Local Favourite’, Christchurch Park was earlier this year awarded a renewed Green Flag Status from the Keep Britain Tidy awards scheme, which makes a total of 14 Green Flags in succession.
More information about the UK’s Favourite Park Awards can be found on the Fields in Trust website: https://www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks
