Seven of Leeds’ most popular parks have once again been recognised among the best in the country after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards.
Golden Acre Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Middleton Park, Otley Chevin Forest Park, Pudsey Park, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam Estate have all retained the internationally recognised accreditation. The seven sites, which are managed by Leeds City Council, were praised for meeting high standards in areas including maintenance, environmental management, community involvement and visitor facilities.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Green Flag Award scheme, which sets the benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces around the world. The Leeds parks are among a record 2,391 sites across the UK to receive the award this year.
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.”
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting an international benchmark for quality and effective management. The programme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Several of Leeds’ award-winning parks have achieved Green Flag status every year for more than 15 years, reflecting their consistently high standards.
