Keep Britain Tidy announces a record-breaking number of award-winning parks and green spaces for 2013.
Calderdale is proud to announce that seven parks in the borough have been judged as being some of the very best in the UK – and that’s official.
The seven parks are among a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.
The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Bailiff Bridge Memorial Park, Centre Vale Park, Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience, Ogden Water Country Park, Shibden Estate, The People’s Park and Wellholme Park will all receive the prestigious award. This means they are all welcoming, safe, clean and well maintained.
The Shibden Estate has more than one reason to celebrate. The Grade II registered park has also won the prestigious national Green Heritage Award for the fourth year running.
Sponsored by English Heritage, the Green Heritage Award is presented to sites of special historic importance, which demonstrate best practice in care and upkeep.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Steve Sweeney, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for an incredible seven parks across the Calderdale.
“This Award recognises and highlights that people across the borough are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality, and reflects the hard work of the Safer, Cleaner, Greener team.
“The green flags will be raised this week to celebrate Love Parks Week – encouraging people to visit and take pride in their local park.”
The record number of awards across the country means more people than ever before will have access to well-managed, quality green space, which is vital to peoples health and wellbeing.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said:
“We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.
“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.
“Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”