STAFF at Kidderminster Town Council and volunteers are celebrating after Broadwaters Mill Park was given a Green Flag Award.
The accolade is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is testament, not only to the council’s Public Realm and Operations Team, but also to the Friends of Broadwaters Mill Park group.
Mayor of Kidderminster, Coun Doug Hine, said: “To receive a Green Flag Award is a moment of immense pride and a wonderful achievement for Kidderminster Town Council.
“This recognition is a direct result of the dedicated work of our Public Realm and Operations Team, who ensure the park is always maintained to the highest standard for our community to enjoy.
My heartfelt thanks also go to the passionate volunteers of the Friends of Broadwaters Mill Park.
“Their incredible community spirit and hands-on efforts have been instrumental in making the park the beautiful, welcoming space it is today.”
Coun Hine added the award showed what could be accomplished when the council and community worked together so effectively.
“It is a shared achievement for everyone in Kidderminster who cherishes this vital green space,” he said.
“We are very much looking forward to raising the flag and celebrating this award in the park with the Friends group and park users on August 29.”
Broadwaters Mill Park is the only site to win this prestigious award this year.
Sobia Shaw, chair of the Friends of Broadwaters Mill Park, also reflected on the group’s long-standing commitment.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted and proud as punch to be receiving the Green Flag Award.
“The Friends of Broadwaters Mill Park have been instrumental in the development and upkeep of the park for over 20 years.
“We were the first group of volunteers in Kidderminster to come together and form a Friends Group to improve and look after our local park.
“Since we have been working in partnership with the town council, together we have created a safe, inviting and picturesque environment to be enjoyed by not only local residents but also the whole of Kidderminster, as well as visitors from further afield.
“This award is a testament to all of the volunteers who work tirelessly to make our park the beautiful place it is today.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
It sets the benchmark standard for the management of parks and green spaces not only across the United Kingdom, but around the world.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme manager, praised the achievement.
He said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Broadwaters Mill Park who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like Broadwaters Mill Park make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, Broadwaters Mill Park is a vital green space for communities in Kidderminster to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.
“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
