Gillespie Park, Newington Green, Edward Square and Fortune Street Park have won Green Flag Awards for 2006.
The four green spaces have successfully been awarded the Green Flag award-the national benchmark for quality parks and green spaces. The government-backed scheme also recognises local community involvement and sustainability.
Cllr Lucy Watt said: "Islington has many hidden gems and these these four parks are well worth visiting. The great thing about this award is that it shows the commitment of the community and the council to working together to improve the quality and accessibility of our open spaces. Why not take some time out this summer and find out what makes these parks special."
Islington has 127 parks, open spaces or playgrounds public spaces. The local community have expectations that they want their open spaces to reflect, and this is the fundamental motivation behind the Green Flag award scheme.
Islington Council is working to create a greener, safer, cleaner borough and is committed to improving Islington's parks and open spaces - this is made more evident by the fact that the council has achieved a record number of Green Flag awards this year.
Gillespie Park is the borough's largest nature reserve with a range of beautiful wildlife habitats including woodland, meadow, wetland and ponds. It also houses Islington Council's Ecology Centre and this is the 5th time Gillespie Park has won the Green Flag award.
Newington Green has undergone a complete a complete makeover with £800,000 spent by the council. It has also won Civic Trust commendations and a sustainable transport award. The facilities include footpaths, play area, seating, grip lawns, trees, lighting, toilets, ranger hut and community office and a new cafe.
Edward Square, once only a piece of grass has received an overhaul and now has a dedicated wall bearing a specially written poem by the Poet Laureate.
Fortune Street Park is a partnership site between Islington Council, the Corporation of London and EC1 New Deal. One the boroughs major projects now has facilities including a playground and a community mosaic
Culpepper Community Gardens was winner of a Green Pennant award for 2006.
To find out more about Islington's parks and open spaces log on to www.islington.gov.uk.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008