South Derbyshire parks named amongst the UK’s finest

Two popular parks in South Derbyshire have been named amongst the best in the country after scooping Green Flag Awards.

Church Gresley’s Maurice Lea Memorial Park and Swadlincote’s Eureka Park have been awarded the coveted status for being continually well maintained, offering excellent facilities and meeting the highest possible environmental standards.

The parks are among a record-breaking 1,883 UK green spaces to receive the prestigious accolade.

Cllr Jim Hewlett, Chairman of the Housing and Community Services Committee at South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“We are delighted and honoured to receive two Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy this year for both of our parks.

“Our teams work tirelessly to continuously enhance the offering of our green spaces so that all of the community can enjoy them.

“We know how much green spaces matter to residents and visitors and these awards show Eureka and Maurice Lea are places that all ages can relax, play and enjoy.”

A wide range of events and activities are held at both parks, with Maurice Lea hosting the Festival of Leisure, which attracts more than 10,000 people each year. Eureka is home to Choir in the Park, Bark in the Park and eUReka extravaganza, aimed at 11-19 year olds.

Eureka Park, named after the coal seam which runs beneath it, has also benefitted from a £15,000 outdoor gym being put in place.

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, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.” 

“The awards are in their third decade. Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

17 July 2018