Parks retain prestigious quality awards

Published Wednesday, 21st October 2020

Two parks in Hartlepool have again retained a prestigious international quality award which recognises open spaces meeting the highest possible standards.

Summerhill, a 100-acre country park, and the more traditional Ward Jackson Park have retained their Green Flag Awards.

They are amongst 2061 winners this year. T

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the UK and around the world.

Summerhill and Ward Jackson Park have both held Green Flags since 2008.

Councillor John Tennant, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “This is great news and reflects the on-going commitment we have as an authority to provide high quality parks and open spaces for the benefit of residents and visitors.

“This is a real team effort which involves Council staff and volunteers – the Friends of Ward Jackson Park, the Friends of Hartlepool’s Wild Green Spaces and Summerhill’s own team of volunteers – pulling together and I’d like to thank everyone involved in winning these awards for their dedication and hard work.”

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.”