Oxford’s parks are among hundreds of green spaces across the country being celebrated this week.
This is part of the national Love Parks Week 2024, which started on July 26 and ends on August 4.
The initiative brings together local authorities, green space managers, landowners, residents and community organisations to celebrate and support green spaces across the country.
Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, the organisers of Love Parks Week, said: "This week is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate, appreciate and recognise the value of their park and green space. To talk about what that green space means for them and their communities.
"Parks improve our health and wellbeing, and we want everyone to hear that message so that during this week of putting the spotlight on our precious parks, people who may not think parks are for them, give their local space a visit.”
The week also marks an anti-littering campaign by Oxford City Council and its partner company ODS.
This period serves as an opportunity to recognise and appreciate those who maintain the city's 26 woodland and countryside sites, 126 playgrounds and 150 sports pitches.
Groups such as OxClean, Good Gym, the Jericho Community Hub, and many volunteers regularly complete litter picks.
Love Parks Week also aims to remind residents and visitors that maintaining these spaces is a shared responsibility.
The council said by "disposing of litter responsibly, you make our cleaner, safer and more beautiful place for everyone, while also protecting wildlife".
Cabinet member for housing and communities at Oxford City Council, Linda Smith, said: "We’re proud to be supporting Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks campaign and encourage everyone to help celebrate all the wonderful parks and play areas we have in Oxford by making the most of them.
"Please make sure you dispose of litter responsibly this summer, and use the Fix My Street app to report any litter or fly-tipping issues and let's work together to keep our parks clean and inviting for everyone."
She added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who work hard to keep the parks looking as clean as beautiful as they do.”
Parks and open spaces service manager at ODS, Rita Cabrita, added: "Love Parks Week is a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of keeping our parks and green spaces clean and tidy.
"If bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you. By working together, we can protect our beautiful green spaces for everyone to enjoy."
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