Show Love for South Tyneside Parks

Residents are being urged to share their love for parks across South Tyneside as part of national Love Parks Week (Friday 29 July to Friday 5 August).

Love Parks Week is a celebration of parks and green spaces organised by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.

South Tyneside Council is urging people to celebrate and enjoy all that is great about their local parks while helping to protect the places that they visit.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Transport and Neighbourhoods, said: "We fully support Love Parks Week. Our beautiful parks are places for people to enjoy, and throughout the covid pandemic and lockdown periods, proved to be a real lifeline for many people.

"With the school holidays in full swing, we are encouraging people to support their local green spaces, to enjoy all they have to offer and support us to keep them clean, tidy, safe and welcoming.

"Whether it's walking the dog, picnicking with friends or pushing little ones on a playground swing, they provide ideal spaces for people to spend time outdoors, enjoy nature and meet up with others.

"Love Parks Week is the perfect opportunity to promote these wonderful facilities right on our doorsteps."

Local residents can enjoy the Borough's free summer events programme which is returning to local parks and open spaces this August as part of this year's This is South Tyneside Festival.

The month-long series of community events features a mix of performances from some of the region's finest brass and jazz musicians, local artists, children's entertainers and family-friendly plays.

Love Parks Week, which is now in its tenth year, also celebrates and supports the efforts of workers and volunteers who maintain and protect green spaces.

South Tyneside Council works closely with its partners at South Tyneside Homes as well as local communities, including 'Friends of' parks groups, to help promote green spaces and ensure they are looking their best for the benefit of all, through events such as litter picks and spring cleans.

The campaign also comes days after four South Tyneside parks (Monkton Dene, North Marine, Readhead and West Park Jarrow) secured Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy.

Having a Green Flag flying overhead is a marker to the public that the park holds the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and offers excellent visitor facilities.

Monkton Dene, Readhead as well as North and South Marine parks have also been nominated for UK Favourite Park, ran by Fields In Trust, with residents and visitors encouraged to cast their vote online at www.fieldsintrust.org

According to research collated by Keep Britain Tidy:

• Visiting the park is the highlight of the day for 62 per cent of dog owners;
• 62 per cent of parents agreed it is the highlight of their child's day too;
• 68 per cent of parents say they take their child to the park to burn off energy;
• 61 per cent of parents said one of the reasons they take their child to the park is because it is free.

For further information about parks in South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/parks

Details of this year's Summer Parks Events programme is available at www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

More information about Love Parks Week is available at www.keepbritaintidy.org/loveparks