Seven parks across Leeds are celebrating after receiving a prestigious green award.
Recognising the very best green spaces across the United Kingdom, Otley Chevin, Pudsey Park, Golden Acre Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam estate were once again awarded Green Flag status, and they were joined this year for the first time on the national list of quality open spaces by Middleton Park.
Also receiving a Community Green Flag Award includes Allerton Grange Field, which is maintained through the hard work of volunteers from Friends of Allerton Grange Fields and Leeds City Council’s Parks and Countryside team.
Launched in 1996, Green Flags were first awarded to recognise the best green spaces and parks across the UK in 1997. Potential sites for a Green Flag Award are judged on the following criteria; a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, clean and well maintained, sustainability, conservation and heritage, community involvement, marketing and management.
Leeds City Council’s executive board member for communities Councillor Debra Coupar said:
“We are extremely fortunate to have some outstanding parks and green spaces in Leeds and it is fantastic news that along with six of our parks retaining Green Flag status, Middleton Park has also made the national list of quality this year which is a truly superb achievement.
“Massive congratulations also to everyone who played their part in helping Allerton Grange Field also secure a Community Green Flag Award, and I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous hard work and dedication of all of our Parks and Countryside staff and countless volunteers who are the main reason why we are able to celebrate this amazing success. As a recognition of their efforts it was great to be able to take one of our truly dedicated gardeners, Alistair Muir, with me to collect the awards on behalf of the city.”
