Sandwell is proud to announce that in the latest national Green Flag Awards, 15 of their parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as well managed.
The Green Flag Awards are an international scheme recognising well managed parks and open spaces and it sets the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
This week’s award ceremony for the West Midlands, as well as for the East of England and East Midlands, is being held in Sandwell for the very first time, and the Council now has 16 award-winning parks and green spaces in Sandwell – a new record for the borough.
West Smethwick Park has recently benefited from a £5.1 million restoration and improvement project supported by the National Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme and Sandwell Council.
The Council has invested £4.3 million on 50 projects across 40 of parks this year. Last year, £3.8 million was invested in parks and play areas, including improving Britannia Park. This year’s budget includes tree maintenance and helping biodiversity through tree planting and rewilding schemes.
Sandwell Council Leader, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “Over the past two years, Sandwell Council has made significant investment in its parks, play areas, outdoor sports facilities, nature reserves and other green spaces.
“This year we applied for the first time for West Smethwick Park, and we are delighted that yet another green space in Sandwell has been recognised to the highest standard.
“These are a vital green space for the community in Sandwell, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. We have a Green Flag park in each of our six towns, and we continue to invest in our green spaces as these are vital for leisure, exercise, health and wide range of community benefits.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff, Friends’ groups and community volunteers who help to make our green spaces among the best in the country.”
Sandwell Council and community organisations have been successfully applying to the Green Flag scheme over the last 23 years and the number of sites achieving the standards has increased over the years.
The following sites achieved the prestigious Green Flag standard:
- Brunswick Park, Wednesbury
- Barnford Park, Oldbury
- Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich
- Haden Hill Park, Cradley Heath
- Lightwoods Park, Bearwood
- Red House Park, Great Barr
- Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich
- Victoria Park, Smethwick
- Victoria Park, Tipton
- West Smethwick Park, Smethwick
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Sandwell who has worked tirelessly to ensure these sites achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a heathier place to live and work, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, these are vital green spaces for communities in Sandwell to enjoy nature. They also provide important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
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