News Release
Two green flags fly high for Maidstone’s
park
For the first time ever two of Maidstone’s
parks have been awarded with a prestigious mark of excellence.
Whatman Park, which is part of the Millennium
River Park, has been awarded with the green flag for the first time
in its 10-year lifespan.
Clare Park on Tonbridge Road has retained its
green flag status for the third year running. Both parks will
have the flags flying high for a year before being re-assessed.
Clare Park was the first in Maidstone to
achieve the top award for parks and now Whatman Park has followed
suit.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr
Richard Ash is delighted with the recognition both parks have
received.
He said: “This is the first time two parks in
Maidstone have won the Green Flag Award, so it’s a real
achievement. A number of people have helped make it possible, with
a lot of hard work and community spirit. I look forward to the
celebrations we will be holding to mark the parks’ success.”
Clare Park, which has tennis courts, a play
area, a multi-use games area and a bowls club, has been judged to
be welcoming and well maintained with the support and involvement
of the community.
Whatman Park was judged on the June 8.
Cllr Ash added: “Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best
parks in the country and our two parks stood out after impressing
the judges with their excellent use of green space, well-maintained
facilities and high standard of safety and security.”
The Green Flag Award scheme began in 1996 as a
means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the
country. It is also seen as a way of encouraging others to
achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark
of excellence in recreational green areas. The award is given out
on an annual basis and Maidstone council must apply each year to
renew the green flag status.
The awards could not have come at a better
time as Green Space’s ‘Love Parks’ week takes place between July 24
and August 1, during which time people will be encouraged to enjoy
the nation’s parks and green spaces.
Date:
July 28, 2010
Ref:
KS/100718