Six of Coventry’s parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, an international quality mark for the best parks and green spaces in the country.
Allesley Park, Caludon Castle Park, Coombe Abbey Park, Longford Park and the War Memorial Park, alongside London Road Cemetery, all achieved the international Green Flag standard, a mark of excellence for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Coombe Abbey Park has also achieved the Green Heritage Award for the fifth year running.
The Coventry parks are six of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year, a great testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said:
“It is fantastic news that six of Coventry’s local parks have once again received this highly respected Green Flag status.
“Our parks and green spaces play an important role in the health and well-being of our local communities. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone in the city can access and enjoy good-quality green spaces for physical exercise and mental wellbeing.
“This award is a testament to the incredible work done by our Council team and volunteers, who are devoted to ensuring that our parks remain at the highest standard for the city’s residents and wildlife.”
Kerry Bigham, of Friends of Longford Park, one of the award-winning venues, said:
“We’ve had so much support from the community over the years. I bumped into one lady who was enjoying an area nearer the river. She said she never gets a holiday away, so loves spending time here. That’s exactly why we all support the park in whatever way we can.”
Trevor Robinson, Urban Ranger, added: “It’s great, keeping Longford Park maintained is hard work but so satisfying. I’m pleased it’s retained its Green Flag status.”
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.
“Coventry 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, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract 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.
