Eight parks - each jointly managed by Blackpool Council, Enveco and dedicated volunteer groups - have been awarded this year, achieving the international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.
Seven of the parks have retained their flags for a second or third consecutive year, and one has won for the first time.
Highfield Road Park and Devonshire Road Rock Gardens will each fly their Green Flags for the third year running. Anchorsholme Park, Crossland Road Park, Kingscote Park, Watson Road Park, and Stanley Park have all won for the second consecutive year. And Claremont Park has received its first Green Flag Award.
Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader (Place) for Blackpool Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Blackpool and a real tribute to everyone who has helped care for our parks. While we're rightly famous for our coastline, our parks and green spaces are every bit as important. They improve people's health and wellbeing, provide places for families to spend time together, support nature and biodiversity, and help make our neighbourhoods great places to live. These Green Flag Awards don't happen by chance. They are the result of the dedication of our council and Enveco teams, working alongside incredible volunteers who give up their time because they care so deeply about their local parks. Their commitment, from planting trees and flowers to organising community events and helping keep our parks looking their best, deserves enormous thanks. We're already celebrating a special year as Stanley Park marks its centenary, and now having eight Green Flags, including Claremont Park receiving the award for the first time, is something the whole town can be proud of. I hope these awards encourage even more people to get out, enjoy our wonderful green spaces and appreciate the people who work so hard to look after them.”
Judges commended the “strong community focus” of the eight parks, which each benefit from active Friends Of groups or volunteers.
The “strong range of recreational facilities” were also praised, including “free access opportunities” which “encourage inclusive participation”. Active management to prevent littering and anti-social behaviour was also commended.
In Claremont Park, judges praised the commitment of volunteers who have created a “welcoming and well-used environment”, as well as features like its living ‘woven willow’ fence and a community orchard.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and ward councillor for Claremont, said:
“I'm especially delighted that Claremont Park has achieved Green Flag status for the very first time. This award reflects years of hard work by volunteers, council staff and everyone who has believed in creating a welcoming, vibrant space for the whole community to enjoy. Seeing the park full of people during Claremont Gala just a couple of weeks ago showed exactly what it means to local residents. My heartfelt thanks go to Karen, the whole team and every volunteer whose dedication has made this possible. The award is particularly poignant as it comes just days after the sad passing of Cllr Ivan Taylor, who was one of Claremont's greatest champions. I'm so pleased he knew about this achievement before he died and was able to share in the pride of seeing his community receive the recognition it so richly deserves.”
The Green Flag Awards, run by Keep Britain tidy, are now in their 30th year.
Blackpool’s winners are among 2,391 parks and green spaces awarded nationally – a record-breaking number of Green Flag recipients.
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. 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. Blackpool has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. Congratulations to everyone involved.”