Middleton Park is known by many as the ‘green jewel of South Leeds’ – in fact local residents have been saying for years how great it is!
And now it’s been revealed that the historic park has just scooped a prestigious national Green Flag award.
Middleton joins a select band of Golden Acre Park in Bramhope, Otley Chevin and Kirkstall Abbey as Leeds-based parks honoured with the award, which is handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
The award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country – and a Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:
“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.”
Middleton Park, which belongs to Wade’s Charity and is leased to Leeds City Council on a 999-year lease, is among a record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces to receive the award.
The support of the Friends of Middleton Park group has been vital in achieving Green Flag. Their extensive summer events programme includes outdoor theatre, bands in the park and wildlife and history walks. The group is said to be ‘very pleased’ with the award.
The award also follows a £2.2 million National Lottery award which saw a number of major improvements carried out to the park including new Visitor Centre which houses a café, public toilets and a learning and community space, a new performance space, improved paths and a network of heritage trails and interpretation of the wildlife and history using boards and leaflets amongst others.
A South Leeds Life poll running at the side of this page as part of Love Parks Week – which we covered here – also picks out Middleton Park as the area’s favourite green space – why not vote and have your say?
