Parks retain prestigious quality awards

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

The two sites are among 2,250 locations nationally celebrating success.

Councillor Gary Allen (right) celebrates Ward Jackson Park’s Green Flag Award with some of the Council staff who look after the park

Managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the award scheme 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 Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We’re proud and delighted to once again retain this top award, which reflects our commitment to providing high quality parks and open spaces for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

“A very big ‘thank you’ to everyone involved for all their dedication and hard work – both our own staff and also Summerhill’s team of volunteers.”

Councillor Gary Allen and staff from Summerhill with their Green Flag

Senior Outreach Officer Claire McDonald (front row, far right) and Outreach Officer John Swallow (back row, centre) with some of Summerhill's volunteers

Summerhill recently hosted an action-packed day of free activities for children for National Play Day and Ward Jackson Park entertained people of all ages with an equally successful range of fun, free activities for Love Parks Week.