THE search is on for the best park in Worcester.

Gheluvelt Park, in Barbourne, Cripplegate Park, in St John's, and Fort Royal Park, off Wyld's Lane, are all in the running.

The three city parks were awarded Green Flag status in July and now Worcester City Council wants residents to nominate their favourite for the national People’s Choice Award, run by Keep Britain Tidy.

Cllr Alan Feeney, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s environment committee, said: “Worcester would be a much less attractive place without its parks, which provide a tranquil haven throughout the year for people of all ages to relax and have fun in.

“Whether you go to play football, walk the dog, socialise or simply to get away from it all, you can show your support for those who work hard to maintain and improve Worcester’s parks by voting for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award.”

Gheluvelt Park has kept residents and visitors to Worcester cool over the summer with its popular Splashpad, which has operated every day since the beginning of May. 

Nearby facilities which opened in July, including new toilets and a food kiosk, have proved a hit.

Cripplegate Park is a tranquil haven only a few minutes’ walk from Worcester’s city centre. 

Its tennis courts and bowling greens are very popular, and it has expansive play areas both for younger children and teens. 

Fort Royal Park is renowned for its stunning views across the city and its historic significance as the site of the last battle in England’s Civil War. 

Its castle-themed play area is popular with younger residents and its proactive Friends group organises a number of well-attended community events every year – most recently, One World in Our Park which took place on Bank Holiday Monday.

To vote, visit greenflagaward.org/award-winners/, search for Worcester, find your favourite park and click to vote.

You can also encourage others to get involved by using the social media hashtag #PeoplesChoice.

Voting closes on Sunday, September 30 with the top 10 sites being announced on October 16.