27 June 2008
New Superintendent for West Ham Park and City Gardens
The City of London has appointed Don Lawson as the new
Superintendent of West Ham Park and the City Gardens. Don took up
the post this month.
Don joined the City from the London Borough of Haringey, where
he was Head of Parks on a team which delivered eight Green Flag
awards for the area’s open spaces. New Zealander Don moved from
Auckland to the UK in 2000 and previous posts include working in
both Lambeth and Richmond boroughs.
In his role as Superintendent, Don will be responsible for the
management and conservation of the 77 acres of green space at West
Ham Park, which is run by the City in the London borough of Newham
– including its renowned plant nursery. He will also oversee the
150 gardens, churchyards, parks and plazas dotted across the Square
Mile, which give a welcome respite to thousands of City workers,
residents and visitors.
Sue Ireland, Director of Open Spaces at the City of London
Corporation, said: "We are delighted that Don is joining the Open
Spaces department. He brings with him some very appropriate
experience, having been involved with plant nurseries, as well as
parks and green spaces. I am sure is enthusiasm and commitment will
be a real asset to the City's open spaces now and in planning for
the future."
Don said: "The City has a superb history in open space
stewardship which I am passionate about therefore I am very much
looking forward to the opportunity this high profile role offers
and want to bring and gain experiences that will ultimately improve
the City's excellent open spaces.
Ends
Press enquiries to City of London’s Press Office on 020 7332
1906.
About the City of London:
The City of London supports and promotes the Square Mile as the
world’s leading international financial and business centre and
provides local government and police services for workers,
residents and visitors. It also provides valued services to London
and the nation as a whole including management of Guildhall Art
Gallery, the Barbican Centre, the Central Criminal Court at Old
Bailey, 10,700 acres/4,240 hectares of open space (including West
Ham Park, the City Gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest), three
wholesale food markets and acts as London’s Port Health
Authority.