'A fantastic accomplishment' - 'Treasured green space' in Boston receives coveted Green Flag Award
A ‘treasured green space’ in Boston has received a coveted Green Flag Award, following a concerted effort to secure the internationally recognised status for the first time.
Central Park is one of only a handful of sites in Lincolnshire to be awarded the honour in 2026, with the others being in Lincoln and Grantham. Others to receive it nationally include Rutland Water and Hyde Park.
The accolade is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
It recognises parks and green spaces that are ‘safe, welcoming and well-managed’, the charity says, describing it as ‘the benchmark standard for recreational outdoor spaces around the world’.
Parks are independently assessed against ‘rigorous’ criteria, including accessibility, maintenance, environmental management, safety, biodiversity and community involvement.
In striving to achieve the status for Central Park for the first time, Boston Borough Council and Boston Town Area Committee (the equivalent of a parish council for the town centre) developed a management plan for the space.
Through a combination of council investment, partnership working and volunteer support, it led to such improvements as:
- Two substantial new planting beds along the main entrance pathway. Volunteers from Boston in Bloom dedicated their time to planting new shrubs, while local business JCS Driveways provided three members of staff to assist with tree planting.
- A new wildlife habitat area to encourage biodiversity.
- The installation of new inclusive pathways to enable more people to access and enjoy nature areas and quiet spaces throughout the park
- Renovation and clearance work around the buoy to improve accessibility
- Enhancements to shrub beds throughout the park
- Careful restoration of existing benches. The benches were stripped back, refurbished by the council's Neighbourhoods team and repositioned across the park to provide improved seating areas for visitors.
Following a visit in May, The Green Flag Award judge praised the park, the council said, commenting: “An excellent park right at the heart of the town centre. Boston is one of the most deprived areas of the country (particularly health deprivation) and this park offers a very good quality local facility available to all.”
Coun Claire Rylott, portfolio holder for green spaces and travel at the council, said: “This accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of council staff, partners and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure Central Park remains a high-quality green space for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success.
“Gaining Green Flag status is a fantastic accomplishment for everyone involved and I am delighted that we can now proudly fly the Green Flag in Central Park.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to come and see the improvements for themselves and enjoy everything the park has to offer, from its beautiful planting displays and wildlife areas to the opportunities it provides for relaxation, recreation and wellbeing.
“Our work does not stop here and we will continue to invest in and improve the park to ensure it remains a Green Flag standard area that is welcoming and accessible for all.”
The Green Flag Award is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Globally, there are 2,500 sites recognised.
Coun Barrie Pierpoint, chairman of Boston Town Area Committee, said: “Central Park is a treasured green space in the heart of Boston and is highly valued by the community. It provides opportunities for people to spend time with family and friends, enjoy nature, find a quiet place to relax and benefit their health and wellbeing.
“I am delighted that the park has achieved this prestigious award. It reflects the commitment and dedication of the teams and volunteers who care for the park every day and ensure it remains a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
“Boston Town Area Committee remains committed to supporting investment in green spaces because of the significant benefits they bring to our communities, and I look forward to seeing Central Park continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Paul Todd, Green Flag manager at Keep Britain Tidy, 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 in not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Boston Borough 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.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”