Arun increases number of Green Flag Award-winning green spaces to six!
The number of parks and gardens in Arun recognised in the annual Green Flag Awards has increased from five to six – thanks to the hard work of the Council’s Greenspace Team, contractors Tivoli and volunteers.
For the first time, Brookfield Park in Littlehampton will be proudly flying a Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag.
Green Flags will also continue to fly high in a further five Arun parks which retained their status - Mewsbrook Park and Norfolk Gardens in Littlehampton, Marine Park Gardens in Aldwick, Old Rectory Gardens in Felpham and Hotham Park in Bognor Regis.
The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the international benchmark standard for the management of outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
As well as being beautifully maintained, the award is also a sign to the public that the green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards and has excellent visitor facilities.
Councillor Samantha-Jayne Staniforth, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said she was extremely grateful to all those involved in maintaining the award-winning parks, including the Council’s Greenspace Team and Tivoli staff, as well as concessions operating in the parks during such a difficult year. She also praised the stoic efforts of greenspace volunteers from each of the winning parks for their tremendous contributions.
She added: “We are delighted to have increased the number of Green Flag Award-winning green spaces in our district from five to six; Brookfield Park is a fabulous place for families to enjoy the natural environment and offers such high value to local biodiversity.
“I’d like to give my congratulations to everyone in our Greenspace and Estates Teams and Tivoli staff who work so hard to ensure our parks are beautifully maintained, welcoming and safe.
“Credit must also go to the many volunteers who dedicate their time to working alongside the Greenspace Team so that our parks are places all our residents and tourists wish to visit.
“Concession holders in our parks, including cafes and minature railways, must also be credited for providing excellent services to all visitors and their contributions towards this success is greatly appreciated.
“Parks have never before been so prominent in the public eye. They have offered such valuable contributions to our nation’s health and wellbeing during this difficult year. We have kept our parks open and well-maintained in light of their recognised importance. These awards certainly go a long way in recognising the substantial efforts made by so many individuals.”
David Chace, Chairman of the Friends of Brookfield Park, added how delighted he was that the contributions of everyone involved had been recognised.
He said: “I am so pleased that in Brookfield Park’s 20th year we have all pulled together to submit an application for a Green Flag Award and were then able to show judges around our fabulous park. Achieving the award is the icing on the cake. People who remember this place as the former Glasshouse Crops Research Institute are often amazed to see how much the park has transformed into the vibrant habitat it is today.
“This fantastic news I hope will result in more people coming to join our group and continue to improve the park, working with the Council for the benefit of all those who use it and the natural environment.”
Commenting on Arun’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.
“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Arun District Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award for six of its parks.”