RCT’s parks and open spaces secure top award.
This year has seen a record number of parks and open spaces win prestigious Green Flag awards – the international quality mark – and EIGHT of them are in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Each of the parks and open spaces have reached the high standards needed to secure a Green Flag Award or a Green Flag Community Award.
Aberdare Park, which has recently seen the refurbishment of its play area, George V fountain and the surfacing used for the famous Aberdare Park Road Races, has secured Green Flag status for the first time.
The award has also been presented to:
- Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd
- Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
- Taff’s Well Park
- CwmClydach Countryside Park near Tonypandy
- Lee Gardens Community Pool
- Daerwonno Outdoor Centre
- Pontygwaith Nature Reserve
The Green Flags will now be flying proudly at the parks and open spaces, making it clear to visitors they will be enjoying an epic open space that has met the high standards of the Green Flag awards, which are organised by Keep Wales Tidy.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “We are rightly proud of our parks and open spaces and it is a massive achievement for there to be eight Green Flag awards in RCT.
“These include parks that have held the status for many years and also new winners. It has been a record breaking year for Keep Wales Tidy, and a very successful one for Rhondda Cynon Taf, its residents and visitors too!
“It is a huge reward for Aberdare Park to secure the award for the first time this year, another celebration for an important open space that has seen an investment of over 100k through the Council’s ambitious #RCTinvest programme to regenerate its boating lake, fountains, adventure playground and road races surfaces for the benefit of current and future users.
“It is important for us to ensure we offer visitors the highest-possible standards. We have some of the most popular parks and open spaces in the region and we want them to be clean, protected and there for everyone to enjoy.
“Huge thanks to the parks staff who work so hard, and to the volunteer judges from Keep Wales Tidy. I would also like to give a massive thank you to all the volunteers who give their spare time to work within our parks year-round, supporting the Council through litter picks, activities and projects to further improve our parks”.
A record-breaking 201 parks and green spaces, including universities, cemeteries, woodlands and allotments across Wales have met the high standards needed to receive the coveted Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award.
The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. It is judged by green space experts, who volunteertheir time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards in Wales. The 201 flags flying are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers across the country who work tirelessly to maintain Green Flag Award standards.
“I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the incredible parks and green spaces we have on our doorstep.”
A full list of award winners can be found here www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag
