Double success sees the borough's parks get the green flag

Visitors to Eastrop Park and the War Memorial Park will have reason to celebrate after both were named in the list of best parks in England and Wales.

For the ninth year in a row the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council-run Eastrop Park has been successful in gaining the Green Flag Award ? a scheme which is managed by the Civic Trust and represents the national standard for parks and green spaces.

And this year, for the first time, it has been joined by the War Memorial Park, which also achieved the prestigious accolade.

The borough?s parks are two of 742 green spaces to receive the Green Flag Award in England and Wales.

Eastrop Park boasts everything from a wildlife area to a children?s paddling pool, boating lake, play areas, trim trail, tree trail and crazy golf course. It also hosts a number of events including the Environmental Fun Day on 20 August.

While the War Memorial Park, which recently hosted the Green Road Show and Basingstoke Live music festival, offers visitors an attractive parkland landscape of mature trees and garden features. It has a newly refurbished play area, BMX/skate park, sports pitches and all weather tennis courts. It also includes a woodland walk, wedding garden and an aviary.

Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure Cllr Keith Chapman said: ?We are absolutely delighted that not just one but two of our parks has achieved this award. This is something that should be celebrated by the whole community from those who regularly maintain the parks to those groups and individuals who regularly use the parks.

?Achieving two awards reflects the very high standard we keep our parks and their popularity among the community. This is something for us all to be very proud of and we should show this by continuing to use these fantastic green spaces. Many people have contributed to Eastrop Park and the War Memorial Park earning this highly sought-after award and I would like to congratulate them all and look forward to further ?green flag? success in the future.?

For more information about Eastrop Park visit http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/leisure/parks/townparks/

For more information about the War Memorial Park visit http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/leisure/parks/townparks/The+War+Memorial+Park.htm

For more information about the Green Flag Award visit www.grennflagaward.org.uk