17 July 2008, 08/160
Double celebrations for award-winning parks
It’s a double whammy for the Council following today’s news (17
July) that two of its flagship parks have scooped national
prestigious awards.
Beacon Country Park in Up Holland and Coronation Park in
Ormskirk town centre have both been given Green Flag status - which
is the ultimate accolade for parks and green spaces that everyone
strives for.
For the Beacon it’s the second year running that it has achieved
this high standard but for Coronation Park it is the first time it
has ever entered for the award - and won!
It’s not surprising that Coronation Park has been recognised as
a quality green open space after significant investment at the
site. As well as all the site improvements that have been made, the
introduction of a park ranger has greatly improved the level of
community involvement with a full event and activity programme,
practical tasks for local groups, and the establishment of its own
"friends" group, following in the footsteps of the popular Beacon
Country Park.
Both parks have been recognised for their natural beauty,
welcoming, safe and maintained environments and community
involvement.
It is a huge success for West Lancashire District Council, who
make sure that the parks are well looked after and are well used by
visitors.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: "It’s double celebrations all round because we’ve got not
one, but two green flags, which is fantastic news. It’s the
ultimate highest environmental standard to aim for and the fact
that our two flagship parks have achieved this is an excellent
accomplishment and testimony to all the hard work that goes on
behind the scenes to bring these areas to life. Each site is unique
but both provide an exciting events programme whilst providing a
relaxing haven away from the bustling town centres. They both
thoroughly deserve these awards and I’d like to say a big thank you
to the staff and volunteers who play a pivotal role in providing
quality management. Without them we would not have been able to do
it.
"But we won’t be resting on our laurels because we have to keep
improving year upon year to ensure that we keep the Green Flags -
so watch this space!"
The Green Flag award is a key component of the Government's
commitment to create cleaner, safer, greener communities.
We will join other winners to celebrate our achievements at
a major ceremony on 24 July.
If you would like more information about the our countryside
sites or parks, visit our leisure page.
Related information
> Countryside parks
> Parks
and playgrounds
> Events