Darlington’s South Park, West Park and the West Cemetery are among the very best in the UK – and that’s official.
They are among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.
The award, now celebrating its 20th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.
South Park is a Victorian Park with a lake, aviaries, bowling green, café, play areas, skate park and bandstand. It is host to a range of events and activities such as charity fun runs, proms in the park, fitness clubs and sewing club in the education centre. South Park was the first park in Darlington and 2016 marks its tenth year as a Green Flag Award winner.
Officially opened in 2005, West Park was the first new park in Darlington in 100 years and this is its second Green Flag Award. It is a modern park with a fusion of art and wild open space. There are stone sculptures and poetry that are integrated with the natural beauty of the wildflower meadows, woods and wetlands. Come and explore the park and see if you can find the Jabberwocky, take on the bike track or enjoy playing in the play area.
West Cemetery was established in 1858 and is the final resting place of many of the town’s most prominent residents, including railway pioneer George Stephenson. It received its first Green Flag Award in 2013.
Cllr Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and the Local Environment, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to once again receive a Green Flag Award our parks and West Cemetery from Keep Britain Tidy.
“This Award recognises and highlights that people in Darlington are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:
“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards.
“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”