09 September 2024
The recently redeveloped city-centre green space met the strict criteria required to achieve the internationally recognised standard.
Amarjargal Khenchbish, Rio Tinto’s Country Director for Mongolia said:
"We aimed for our park to be a clean, sustainable, inclusive and vibrant environment for citizens and community groups. This achievement, attained through months of dedication, highlights our commitment to delivering the best practices and promoting effective management of green spaces. We hope our success story will inspire and motivate more people and other public spaces in Ulaanbaatar."
A new park for the city
Rio Tinto Mongolia have led of the redevelopment project of the park since 2022 following an agreement with the City Government of Ulaanbaatar. This included complete construction of 10 hectares of a previously derelict green space formerly known as “Childrens Park”, next to the popular National Amusement Park. The project sought to provide a high-quality space both for activity and tranquillity as a retreat from the busy city streets.
A park for the people
Features such as a concrete skate park, cycling routes, play area and an outdoor gym are balanced with areas for more passive or calm leisure activites; the “Peace lawn”, the bio-top pond (fed by rainwater), and a circular amphitheatre. And high quality materials and techniques were used, including a bespoke Gobi Bear play feature built by internationally renowned play company Vinci.
The park was finally opened on 3rd July 2024 during a formal ceremony attended by the President of Mongolia - Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. This is also Mongolia’s National Flag Day, and the park features the tallest flagpole in Mongolia, standing at an impressive 60 meters high.
Carl McClean - International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:
“I have visited hundreds of parks around the world in my career as an international parks professional, and Ulaanbaatar Park is one of the best I’ve have the pleasure to judge. It’s stunning! Well done!”
To see a full list of Green Flag Award winning parks, visit: http://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winners/
Partnership working
Alongside delivering on the construction of the park, Rio Tinto Mongolia have understood the need to develop community partnerships for it to deliver for the local community of Ulaanbaatar. Extensive consultation took place, involving the views of over 10,000 respondents in the required facilities and design ethos of the park. And now a stakeholder network co-ordinated by Ger Hub, an innovative NGO specializing in community engagement projects is taking shape. Including a city skateboarding organisation Uukhai Club, dog and animal NGO Aztai Savar and partnership working with local schools, theatre, wildlife groups and other organisations.
Carl McClean - International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:
“Congratulations to everyone involved. Achieving the Green Flag Award is not easy. Rio Tinto Mongolia have worked extremely hard on both the delivery of this park project and on their management framework – to ensure this park remains well looked after for the residents of Ulaanbaatar.”
The international standard for parks and green spaces
Founded in 1996 in the United Kingdom, the aim of the Green Flag Award is to ensure that everyone has access to a quality green space to enable healthy lifestyles and stronger communities. Since then it has expanded into 18 countries around the globe and celebrates over 2,500 winners every year.
To achieve this accolade, Rio Tinto Mongolia had to meet the Green Flag Award’s robust standards: 27 criteria under 8 separate categories, such as "Healthy, Safe and Secure" "Community Involvement" and "Environmental Management". These criteria were assessed during a site visit in September by trained judges from the parks and green space sector following a thorough review of the organisation’s management documentation such a policies, procedures and work schedules.
To see a full list of Green Flag Award winning parks, visit: http://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winners/
To find out more in general, or apply for an Award, whichever country you are based in; explore the Green Flag Award website: https://www.greenflagaward.org, or alternatively click here for a contact form.
