A PARK warden is retiring from Southampton City Council after nearly 50 years.

Ken Prior, 66, started off as an apprentice but is now retiring from his position as supervisor of the public green areas in the city. 

His career started in 1973 and has led to him gaining a deep-rooted knowledge of the city’s nature and history.

He told the Daily Echo that his retirement came with turning 66.

Ken said: “I didn’t really want to retire, and I dragged my feet a little bit.”

He added: “In some ways it’s difficult to tear myself away.” 

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He previously went into semi-retirement, job sharing in the central parks of the city at the age of 55.

During his time working for the city council, Ken has been archiving the history of the parks, creating a collection of stories and mentoring apprentices.

As an expert on local plants and with a love for talking to people, he said meeting others while working has been enjoyable.

He said: “It’s all the people side of it that I really enjoy.”

Ken added: “Coming into town you get to meet lots of different characters.
“It’s funny the different conversations you can have with people.”

He was first assigned to Riverside Park and has seen saplings grow into mature trees during his time at the park. 

Ken has been a prominent figure in the area, and has been featured in Hope School’s informational video on the city’s parks.

In his retirement Ken, who has been married to his wife Lorraine for 42 years, plans to remain active.

He has entered the Great South Run and is getting ready for the popular south coast race by jogging through the parks he worked in. 

Ken, originally from Titchfield, now lives in Bitterne and in his retirement wishes to spend his time with his wife, his two children and three grandchildren. 

He aims to continue to visit the parks he has looked after for many years.

Aside from this, he plans to spend time watching Saints games with the season ticket he shares with his daughter.

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