Five of Luton’s parks have today (17 July) been confirmed among the best in the country after retaining their prestigious Green Flag Award status.
Wardown Park, Stockwood Park, Memorial Park, Kidney Wood and Brantwood Park are among 1,424 parks and green spaces across the country recognised by the scheme which highlights well maintained and managed facilities and the importance of parks to local communities across the UK.
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for parks, said: “This is fantastic news. Wherever you live in Luton you can be sure there is a superb park nearby.
“All of our parks are superb places to spend the summer and provide a safe and clean environment with plenty of facilities for everyone to enjoy.”
In Luton the work of the Council is supported by the Luton Friends of Parks and Green Spaces who help ensure that the needs of the community are met and that local people are involved in decisions.
Cllr Ashraf added: “In the current financial climate this provides opportunities to secure additional funding for improvements and events to get people active in the great outdoors.
“My congratulations and thanks go to everyone who works hard all year round to ensure that our green spaces are some of the best in the country.”
Wardown Park, along with Popes Meadow and Moor Park, recently played a key role hosting more than 75,000 people during the Love Luton 2012 Festival, which included Luton Carnival and Mela plus an Olympic Flame evening celebration and multiple music stages.
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.
“I must also thank all this year’s 800+ volunteer judges for their magnificent efforts in assessing an astounding number of applications.”
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all. The many excellent stories coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with professionals in our green spaces. Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.”