IN the first week of the school summer holidays it will be reassuring for Nottinghamshire parents to know that more of the county's parks are hitting the top standard.
The Victorians, who were responsible for impressive open spaces such as The Forest and The Arboretum, took great pride in creating green lungs for expanding, smoggy cities.
It's heartening to know that there are local authorities and private enterprises which value the role of parks in the 21st century, and which are delivering Green Flag standards in increasing numbers.
The Forest has never looked better and The Arboretum remains a joy.
Green Flags for Nottingham's two universities demonstrate that they also understand the importance of an attractive environment.
But it's the lower-profile operations that are turning heads in the 2014 awards announced by Keep Britain Tidy.
Like Burton Road Jubilee Park, in Carlton. It is a showcase for the skills of Gedling Borough Council's parks team.
Like Colwick Woods, which has benefited from the enthusiasm and hard work of a dedicated Friends group. Here is a model for community involvement in improving a site for the benefit of both the public and wildlife.
These parks are for all who enjoy simple pleasures.
For countless parents they will be a godsend over the next six weeks... and the cleaner, tidier and safer, the better.