Prospect Park Crowned Reading’s Favourite in Public Vote
- Prospect Park beat Caversham Court in to 2nd place
- Arthur Newbery Park, Palmer Park and Forbury Gardens finished 3rd to 5th respectively
- Vote saw over 500 residents choose ahead of last week's Love Parks Week
Prospect Park has been crowned Reading’s favourite park after a vote which saw over 500 Reading residents give their opinion.
To coincide with last week’s Love Parks Week, the Council counted down Reading’s top five parks as chosen through a public vote held in June.
Five residents introduced countdown videos last week on the Council’s social media channels to reveal the order of the top five parks, and why they’d chosen their favourite. The winning parks and videos can be seen below, each with one quote from someone who voted for them (click the park to see the video):
“Together with the adjacent Abbey Ruins an oasis in the heart of town. Buy a coffee from the kiosk and soak in the beautiful surroundings.”
“It is family-friendly and accessible to all. Right at the heart of Reading, it gives a green respite in an otherwise busy, congested neighbourhood.”
“Open space, beautiful established shady trees, copse, extensive pathways, a fun children's playground and wonderful coffee cart. Something for everyone.”
“A beautiful hidden escape. Direct access to the river, a lovely floor layout of what used to be there to preserve the history, and a small tea kiosk with a view.”
“A beautiful space with magnificent trees where you can walk your dog, take your family, play football, visit the cafe or sit and watch the world go by. Plenty of space for everyone, we are lucky to have it in our town.”
Although Reading is largely an urban area, the town boasts over 100 wonderful public parks, playgrounds and open spaces for residents to enjoy which provide everything they need to enjoy the feel of the countryside in a busy urban space.
The voting saw some lovely words from residents about the importance of their local park to them. Some residents enjoy their favourite park with their grandchildren and still remember playing there as a child themselves. Others like the boost to their mental wellbeing that peaceful, tranquil and calm spots in Reading’s parks can provide whilst plenty more use them to keep playing sports at our community facilities, football, cricket, basketball, tennis or simply doing a parkrun.
Reading’s dog walkers were also full of praise for the town’s parks, which provide a great place for dogs and their owners to exercise and socialise.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“Congratulations to our winner Prospect Park and all those shortlisted in the top five. The testimonies we received highlight how valuable our 100+ parks, playgrounds and open spaces are to our residents, and why we continue to invest each year in preserving and improving them for you.
“However you choose to use our parks – for relaxation, socialising, family time or exercise – this poll has shown how blessed we are to have such a great range of green spaces and play and open areas for you to enjoy, so please do get out and about this summer and see why the park users love them so much!”
“Our staff work hard to keep the parks in good condition for you, so please also do your bit too by binning your litter or taking it home. If you want to go even further you can help keep our parks, open spaces, footpaths, shopping areas and streets litter-free by joining our growing Reading Adopt Your Street (RAYS) community.”
RAYS offers support and free equipment to any residents inspired to do their bit to keep Reading clean for all, including litter pickers, 100% recycled plastic bags, gloves and hi-vis jackets.
There are options for individuals, community groups, businesses and schools, and we provide all the equipment needed for those interested so please chat to your neighbours or local community groups to co-ordinate a group of individuals to take positive action in your area. Anyone needing some help with getting a crew together can visit www.reading.gov.uk/RAYS to find out more.