Wallsend's Richardson Dees Park has been voted as one only two North East 'Local Favourites’ in a national green space awards scheme.
Park users across the country nominated 364 parks and cast over 30,000 votes to decide the winners of the Fields in Trust’s UK’s Favourite Parks 2022.
The awards recognise some of the best green spaces across the country as nominated by the people who use them, and members of the public were invited to vote for ‘green spaces that hold a special place in your heart’.
The popular Wallsend park scooped the title of ‘Local Favourite’ after finishing in the top 20% of the public vote.
The award caps another successful year for North Tyneside parks which saw another eight Green Flags raised above parks and green spaces, including a first ever award for Preston Cemetery in Tynemouth.
Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “This is further good news for everyone associated with Richardson Dees Park, coming so soon after this year’s Green Flag awards were confirmed.
“The park is a very special place with a rich history, great facilities, and lots for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We’re very lucky to have so many award-wining green spaces in North Tyneside and it’s all down to the efforts of our hard working staff and volunteers for their everyday commitment. The award is richly deserved.”
As one of three Wallsend Parks, the Victorian park covers 16 hectares and boasts a range of facilities including play areas, a café, bandstand, bowling greens, outdoor gym, skate park, sculpture trail and tennis and basketball courts.
Fields in Trust is an independent charity with over 90 years’ experience protecting parks and green spaces. They work with landowners, community groups and policy makers to champion the value of our parks and green spaces to achieve better protection for their future at both local and national level.
The full list of winners and local favourites is detailed on the Fields in Trust website with further information about the UK’s Favourite Parks campaign.