Green Flag hat-trick for urban park
An urban South Derbyshire park has struck a hat-trick by again being recognised with a Green Flag Award.
Church Gresley’s Maurice Lea Memorial Park was given the honour for the third year running, officially ranking it among the finest in the UK.
The awards scheme, run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department of Communities and Local Government, has led to a record-breaking 1,797 parks and green spaces flying the Green Flag in 2017.
The flag is a sign to the public that the area boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
Cllr Jim Hewlett, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Housing and Community Services Committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for Maurice Lea Memorial Park for the third year running.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Maurice Lea to such a high standard.
“The people of South Derbyshire deserve the very best public facilities and that’s what we are striving to give them.”
The council is entering the final year of a three-year Parklife project to develop physical activity in the district’s four urban parks - Maurice Lea, Eureka Park, Newhall Park and Swadlincote Woodlands.
Its focus is on providing a range of free or low-cost activities to attract more people into the parks and to involve them in their development and management.
The parks host a whole range of activities and events, from weekly walks and school sports days to the annual South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure at Maurice Lea.
International Green Flag Award scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.
“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.
“The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
28 July 2017