Colleagues honoured with award for Open Space Strategy

Colleagues from Amenity Services were honoured at an awards ceremony for their delivery of a new framework on future plans for parks, greenspaces and other public open spaces in the county.

The team picked up a Silver Award in the Parks, Grounds and Streetscene category at the APSE Striving for Excellence Awards held in Aviemore last month.

The award was accepted by Jennifer Lothian, Strategy, Policy and Development Manager, Amenity Services, and Marek Mackowiak, Planner – Development.

Jennifer, who spearheaded the project, earlier delivered a presentation on the East Lothian Open Space Strategy (OSS) 2026 to delegates at the APSE conference during a ‘Designing for Nature’ session chaired by Council Leader Norman Hampshire.

The OSS reviewed the quality, quantity and accessibility of the parks and open spaces in and around the county’s towns and villages, and was informed by feedback from public consultation.

The strategy is designed to protect and enhance existing publicly accessible open spaces with the aim of ensuring high-quality open spaces are accessible to everyone. It also sets out new guidance to provide a high standard of additional locations under the planning process.

Following its approval by Cabinet, the OSS updated and replaced the 2018 Open Space Strategy and established a 10-year framework for the development, management and use of parks, greenspaces, sports pitches, and other open spaces.

The award also recognised the delivery of parks and greenspace enhancement projects underway, including ‘Nature Networks’, tree planting, play area enhancements, new seating and cycling infrastructure, and other park improvements around the county.

The team narrowly missed out on a Gold Award to Aberdeenshire Council but were delighted to share a Silver Award with Glasgow City Council.

Jennifer said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of Amenity Services. This new strategy was a team effort, with delivery underway led by Mike Foy and our Amenity depots and operational teams, who are doing fantastic work delivering greenspace enhancement projects around the county, alongside other colleagues from across the council including from Housing, Biodiversity, Active Travel and Sports Development. I would also like to thank Marek Mackowiak and Planning colleagues for all their work in helping prepare the new strategy.”

Eamon John, Head of Communities and Partnerships, said: “This is an excellent example of strategy and policy influencing delivery and enhancement in our communities. The new Open Space Strategy, and its next phase of delivery, will support and enhance our towns and villages, the natural environment, and the health and wellbeing of our communities for decades to come, and I am delighted that it has received this recognition.”

Speaking about the awards, APSE Chief Executive Mo Baines said: "The Striving for Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding work and achievements of local authorities across Scotland; providing a well-deserved opportunity for teams within these service areas to showcase their innovative and impactful initiatives.

“Congratulations to all our award winners and finalists - you are a credit to your communities.”