Middleton Park is amongst seven of Leeds’ most popular parks to have been awarded the Green Flag Award after being recognised as being of international quality.
Golden Acre Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Middleton Park, Otley Chevin Forest Park, Pudsey Park, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam Estate are all managed by Leeds City Council and have yet again been listed among the best in the country.
The announcement comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
The Leeds parks are some of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Some of the Green Flag parks in Leeds have received the award every year for over 15 years.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said:
“We’re really proud to have these brilliant parks in Leeds once again be recognised as some of the best in the country.
“It is a real testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of our teams and the volunteers who work hard to care for these spaces, ensuring it’s maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy every single day.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Leeds City Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
Photo: Jeremy Morton
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