King's Lynn and Hunstanton parks receive Green Flag Award
Prestige for West Norfolk's parks and green spaces
Five parks and green spaces in King's Lynn and Hunstanton have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, highlighting their status as among the best in the United Kingdom.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk announced that Boston Square Sensory Garden and Heritage Gardens in Hunstanton, along with Mintlyn Crematorium, The Walks, and Tower Gardens in King's Lynn, have been recognised among a record-breaking 2,391 sites to achieve Green Flag status this year.
The Green Flag Award scheme, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is internationally recognised for setting the benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK.
Councillor Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, said:
“We are delighted that five of our parks and open spaces have once again achieved Green Flag status,"
"This national recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and pride shown by our council's public open space teams throughout the year."
She also highlighted the role of these spaces in enhancing the wellbeing of both residents and visitors, providing areas to relax, exercise, enjoy nature, and gather with family and friends:
"There's a lot of evidence that shows that outdoor and green spaces do boost mental health and wellbeing. So it's so important. It lifts people's moods. I know that if I've had a stressful day, that a walk through one of the parks chills my brain."
Councillor Sandra also added that maintaining these spaces is a community effort, highlighting the work that volunteers do:
"it's a real community effort, it's a lot of hard work and they are out there in all weathers, from heat waves in summer to torrential rain in winter. They're so dedicated and committing to making these places wonderful."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, stressed the importance of parks for the wellbeing, community, and economy of the area.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life," Todd said.