Thanks to National Lottery players, many millions of pounds and a great deal of very hard work have delivered a vibrant future for these lucky parks and the local people who are passionate about them. Public parks are such precious green spaces and – if looked after - will be places for generations to play and thrive in for years to come.           

Here’s a pick of the bunch opening this summer:

Donkeys in Derby’s Markeaton Park

Sunday 26 July sees the launch event for one of Derby’s favourite parks. It was originally part of the grounds of Markeaton Hall, built by the Mundy family in 1755. In 1903, some of it was gifted for children's recreation - now the amazing Mundy Play Centre.

It’s a park that has something for everyone, including a paddling pool with fountains, donkey rides and a light railway - even canoeing on the lake. The park's historic buildings and parkland have been restored and there’s some fabulous new play equipment for the kids. The project has also made sure that more people can literally get their hands dirty - learning about the park's heritage and wildlife, taking part in art and cultural events, volunteering and even training in horticulture. The craft village, courtyard and buildings now provide the ideal place for people to get involved in these fascinating activities.

Heritage at Holywells Park

Ipswich’s Holywells Park opened on 18 July and now sports a fabulous visitor centre and café in the old Stable Block. The former Orangery has become a stunning meeting place and there is a new outdoor theatre space, toilets and even high-tech iplay facility for the teenagers.

The park was the home of the Cobbold family, Ipswich’s famed brewing dynasty. It is now one of Suffolk's finest parks and a perfect example of living, breathing heritage and no doubt still a great place for a cold beer.

Having a Splash at Worth Park

Worth Park, a beautiful Victorian park in Crawley, re-opened in July after an extensive regeneration project. The Worth Park Estate was originally bought in 1850. The house and garden were later re-modelled and turned into a high status Victorian pleasure garden and landscape. They we constructed and designed by James Pulham who also designed for the gardens of Buckingham Palace. The park is now back to its previous splendor and the huge Pulham fountain is flowing again for the first time in decades.

An Absolute Beaut - Bute Park, Cardiff

The four-year project which came to fruition in June has led to this being Cardiff’s most popular park and now attracts 100% more visitors than before the project began. There is a new Summerhouse Café and Education Centre, the unique Animal Wall has been restored and the Grade II listed West Lodge building has been converted into the delightful Pettigrew Tea Rooms.

Bute Park and Arboretum is nationally important for its historic designed landscape and for having the largest arboretum in a public park.

A Royal Welcome for Northumberland Park

8 August will see a very special celebration event to coincide with the 130-year anniversary of Northumberland Park which first opened its doors way back in 1885 and the Duchess of Northumberland will be helping celebrate the special launch of this much-loved green space. The park’s historic features have been restored including a pet cemetery and a fountain. The project also helped to uncover the entire outline of a chapel which was part of the medieval St Leonard’s Hospital, dating back to around the 13th Century.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund has invested more than £800million in public parks since 1996.