Green Flag flies proudly over Penarth park
A Victorian park in central Penarth has been recognised for a
fourth successive year in a prestigious national award scheme.
The Green Flag Award recognises the best green spaces
in the country, and Belle Vue is judged to be welcoming, safe and
well maintained, with a strong involvement from the local
community.
The park is managed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's parks and
grounds maintenance division with the support of a dedicated
Friends of Belle Vue Park organisation.
Cabinet member for visible and building services Cllr Geoff Cox
said: "I would like to congratulate everyone concerned in looking
after Belle Vue. The award is a tribute to the marvellous
partnership work of parks staff, the Friends and the community park
keeper. It's another really great team effort.
"The award illustrates
the council's commitment to a greener and cleaner county, and the
park is an example of how communities can work together with the
council to improve the local environment."
As a community association, the Friends have raised money to
carry out a range of improvements to the park including a new play
area, dog-proof fencing, and new beds with flowers, trees ands
shrubs. They also organise a number of community events in the park
including an open air concert in the summer, a carol event at
Christmas and Halloween and Easter events for local children.
Operational manager (parks and grounds maintenance) Phil Beaman
said: "The enthusiastic Friends group has provided the inspiration,
and also raised most of the funding, for these exciting new
developments which have added to the overall ambience of the
park.
"The revitalised park is now the venue for a varied
and stimulating programme of events organised by the Friends, and
has become a focus for the local community."
Friends chair Justin Lewis said: "The award is a tribute to the
many local people who help make the park a centre of the community.
Hundreds of local people - young and old - have been
involved in the various events and improvements over recent years.
It’s not just that the park looks great these days, but that it’s a
place for things to happen and for people to meet.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by the Civic Trust and
Department for Communities and Local Government. Paul Todd, of the
award scheme, said: "Congratulations to all the management, staff
and, in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and
dedication has brought this award of excellence."
29/07/2008