I wish to bring to the attention to all Watford residents that ‘Mr Parks’ Paul Rabbitts, as I call him, has now left Watford Borough Council.

He was the Head of Parks, Heritage and Culture and worked for Watford Borough Council for 11 years. I had the pleasure of working with him. He always had a great passion for parks, was always enthusiastic, loves parks and always had a “can do” attitude.

Read more: Parks boss leaves a legacy to be proud of in Watford

He has definitely left his mark on Cassiobury Park. He delivered on a £6.6 million Heritage Lottery Funded restoration of Cassiobury Park, which helped in creating the new hub (paddling pool/pavilion), new historic signage and the restoration of the bandstand. Cassiobury Park is a Green Flag Park and also been awarded a Green Heritage site as well, and nominated as one of the top 10 parks in the UK He is also a well-known, established author and has written many books on parks. In 2014 he wrote Cassiobury - Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex.

He is a great ambassador for Green Flag Parks, is always looking to raise standards and went on to gain 17 Green Flags for Watford Borough Council, more than any other district in Hertfordshire.

He helped to oversee the award-winning Oxhey Activity Park, a fantastic venue for all of the community.

His passion for parks has lead him to create the (PMF) Parks Management Forum, of which he is chair, and will tackle the decline of investment in parks around the country.

Paul is working tirelessly to develop the PMF and keep lobbying for long-term resources for ongoing maintenance, management and development, and encourage and enable community involvement.

Where ever Paul works, which includes Watford Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, and Middlesbrough Council, he has left all the parks he was responsible to much more welcoming and enjoyable places to visit for all of the community.

Congratulations on your new job as head of parks and open spaces at Southend on Sea.

Paul leaves a great legacy at Watford parks and open spaces, especially Cassiobury Park.

Watford Borough Council, how about naming the hub /pavilion after him?

David Jenkins

Ex-Area Parks Manager,

Watford resident