This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
John O’Conner Ltd (IW), which maintains the park under a partnership contract with the Isle of Wight Council, has received the Grounds Maintenance Award (Free Public Access) for its work at Ventnor Park, in the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) National Landscape Awards 2015.
The awards are run annually by BALI, and recognise landscape designers and specialist landscape and grounds maintenance contractors who demonstrate exceptionally high standards of professionalism and skill.
John O’Conner managing director, Matt O’Conner, said:
“Both John O’Conner and the Isle of Wight Council have been committed to achieving the highest horticultural standards possible at Ventnor Park. We will continue to develop the park’s unique features and maintain the excellent standards evidenced by other awards.
“We are extremely proud to have won this BALI Award as a further testament to the excellent horticultural standards – and I would like to thank our staff, whose dedication and team culture has made winning this prestigious award possible.”
Council parks manager, Nigel Leppard, said:
“The council is delighted and proud that Ventnor Park has won an award of national standing. We are very aware that a large part of this is due to the partnership arrangement with John O’Conner Ltd and their efforts and commitment in maintaining Ventnor Park to a very high standard. The council would also like to recognise Ventnor Enhancement Fund and Ventnor Putting Green for their involvement with the park.”
Ventnor Park also won a top award at the recent annual South and South East England in Bloom Awards 2015 – achieving gold medal status for the third year running. It was one of only five parks to achieve the status in the whole region, stretching from Kent to Dorset.
Ventnor Park dates from the 19th century and covers an area of about seven acres. It features landscaped grounds over a range of different levels, with mature trees, shrubs, herbaceous and bedding borders, a bandstand, a stream with gentle falls and water fowl, a putting green (under concession), and an adult outdoor exercise equipment area.
Established in 1972, the British Association of Landscape Industries is the UK’s leading representative trade association for firms undertaking landscaping design, construction and maintenance, both interior and exterior, and a wide range of associated suppliers to the landscape industry. Its awards are now in their 39th year and are the largest such landscape awards in Europe. The competition is independently adjudicated by a panel of leading landscaping and design experts.
Image: © Joan IW
