Congratulations to all the ground staff and management involved in Clissold Park attaining the Green Flag award, the first in Hackney to have this (subjective) accolade bestowed upon it in recognition of its resplendent vistas and the way in which it serves its local community.
A special mention should also go to the user group, who broadly reflect the populace of the northern part of the borough, for their contribution.
There is no disputing the fact that the general standards of maintenance in the park post the enforced over zealous pruning at the behest of those doyens of landscaping, the boys in blue, has greatly improved.  But apart from one magnificent bed by the wardens’ house there is a great lack of imagination.  Visitors entering the park at the Queen Elizabeth’s Walk entrance are greeted by a dishevelled  display “Welcome to Clissold Park” and the Rhododendrons that never took root could easily pass for a modern art installation, representative of futile urban decay.  Great swathes of poorly maintained grass line the parks perimeter.

The council should enter into the great spirit of consultation (it appears to be all to consumed with these days) with the local community for imaginative uses of space whether it be for a skate-park area, a sensory-garden, fresh bed ideas, or an activity-area for young persons.  Maybe consideration of community-involvement in plant maintenance could be given with an onus on inclusion by schools.  In no way should one detract from the real sense of achievement this award must have imparted upon all those involved.  But, in no way should they become complacent.  The real work starts NOW, as the park has to not only maintain, but improve its standards in order to retain this quality status.