Today, Wyre Council is celebrating after receiving five Green Flag Awards for Poulton's Vicarage Park, Wyre Estuary Country Park and Hawthorn Park in Thornton, and Memorial Park and The Mount in Fleetwood.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
These sites are five of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
The news that these parks have met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.
Councillor Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces at Wyre Council, comments:
"Wyre continues to shine through its outstanding parks and open spaces, and receiving Green Flag Awards once again is a truly remarkable achievement.
“These awards reflect the dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly throughout the year to create welcoming, well-maintained spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Spending time in nature plays an important role in supporting our wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, encourage physical activity and bring communities together. Our parks and open spaces are more than just beautiful places to visit – they are vital assets that contribute to healthier, happier communities.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment and contribution to this fantastic achievement."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Wyre Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.