GREEN FLAG AWARD WON BOTH VICTORIA PARK AND FOR CITY RECREATION GROUND FOR ANOTHER YEAR!
Victoria Park has once again been recognised as one of the finest green spaces, having retained its prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026/27. This internationally recognised honour, managed by the Green Flag Award Scheme, marks another milestone since the park first received the award in 2019.
In a further triumph, City Recreation Ground has also retained its Green Flag status, first awarded in 2023 following a successful submission by Newbury Town Council.
The Green Flag Award is the benchmark of excellence for parks and green spaces, signifying the highest environmental standards, outstanding maintenance, and exceptional visitor facilities. This year, judges highlighted the Town Council’s strong commitment to environmental engagement, the restoration of Victoria Park’s historic bandstand, and the park’s vibrant planting schemes. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
When evaluating Victoria Park, judges praised it as a vital open space for the Newbury community, offering a wide range of facilities and activities. They also noted the park’s rich heritage, its inclusive atmosphere, and the diversity of its visitors, both young and old.
Cllr Vaughan Miller, Chair of the Council’s Community Services Committee, commented, “We are absolutely delighted to retain Green Flag status for Victoria Park and equally proud to see City Recreation Ground receive this honour for the fourth consecutive year.”
He continued, saying, “Since first securing Green Flag recognition for Victoria Park in 2019, our dedicated team—alongside our contractors, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd—has worked tirelessly to uphold and enhance the standards across both parks. We’re especially proud of the refurbishment of the Community Café which recently opened, which has helped to restore an important social space in the heart of Victoria Park.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said, “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Newbury Town Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.”
