City's parks right up there with the best

Barnes Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Roker Park, Mowbray Park, and Herrington Country Park have once again been recognised as among the best in the country after achieving the international quality award for parks and green spaces.     

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

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, said: "I'm delighted to see our beautiful parks and green spaces right up there with the best in the country. It's something everyone in our city can feel proud about.

"We know how much our residents value their local parks and everything they offer. Whether it's somewhere to take the kids, walk the dog, get some much needed exercise or just relax and enjoy nature, they're all well used all year round.

"Seeing five of our parks once again recognised with Green Flag awards is testament to all the hard work that goes into looking after them and making sure they are looking their best."

Sunderland's parks have been receiving Green Flag awards for a number of years. In 2005, the former colliery spoil heap that was transformed into Herrington Country Park won its first award, and it has achieved awards every year since.

Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Sunderland City Council in achieving a Green Flag Award.

"The winning parks are a vital green space for communities in Sunderland to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely as well as providing important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

 "We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

"It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected."