Parks boss takes a look back at career
A HALTON Borough Council gardening apprentice rose through the ranks to become parks manager -and he reckons it’s a bloomin’ marvellous opportunity!
Paul Boardman, aged 31, who has has his roots in Widnes, having been brought up using Halton’s parks from a child, has blossomed in his horticulural career.
Green fingered Paul is no stranger to success, having been named Association For Public Service Excellence (APSE) Young Horticulture Apprentice Of The Year 2008 at the ripe old age of only 19.
The trained first-aider said the borough’s award winning open spaces have figured greatly in his life through recreation and work.
He said: “I joined Hallton in 2007 as a landscape apprentice shortly after completing A-levels.
“I was looking for an alternative to university and wanted to pursue a career outdoors because my hobbies and interests had always revolved around it.
“I saw an advert in the local paper which invited young people to a Halton Borough Council
open day for apprentices in Victoria Park.
“I attended this and knew straight away that I wanted to work within the borough’s parks.
“Since my apprenticeship I have worked in a few different roles within HBC open space services, and it is testament to the training opportunities afforded to me by the council that I am able to take up this new position.
“Throughout the 13 years I have worked within the authority I have always endeavoured to play my part in providing an attractive landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy while contributing to the council’s vision of providing a high quality, modern urban environment and attractive neighbourhoods.
“Recent global events have brought a greater focus on the importance of public services, and our local neighbourhoods are being recognised as essential assets which can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the population.
“The parks section has a proven track record of producing Green Flag Standard
Parks, and I hope we can continue to deliver such high standards in the future.
“I hope that together we can continue to improve the local environment for both people and for biodiversity.”
He said his career was mapped out from a young age.
He said: “I started to take notice of the work that goes into keeping a high profile park at such a good standard.
“I soon started spending most of the time spent in Victoria Park watching the gardeners carry out their work.”
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for the physical environment, Cllr Ron Hignett, said: “It just goes to show what a resource to the borough apprentices can be.
“Paul has worked his way up and shown what can be achieved through hard work and talent.”
Victoria Park was opened in 1900 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
It is on the former Appleton House estate and was created by the local council with funds collected via a public subscription.