Five Swansea parks have been honoured with prestigious Green Flag status.
Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park, Brynmill Park and Cwmdonkin Park have all been recognised for their high quality.
Green Flag status means visitors can be sure a park is a high-quality green space that gives people of all ages a hugely rewarding visitor experience. Only parks that are free to enter and open to the public can receive the status.
Swansea Council runs all five award-winning parks.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Parks are vital resources in our communities because they offer tranquil environments where people can escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life.
“They’re wonderful places for people of all ages because they’re ideal spots for a kick-about in the sun or a relaxing stroll on a Sunday afternoon.
“We’re lucky in Swansea to have a world-class coastline so close at hand, but the amount of fantastic green spaces we have helps complement the stunning natural scenery. Winning five Green Flags is testament to our parks staff, who work tirelessly throughout the year to keep our parks in top condition for local people and visitors to enjoy.”
The Green Flag scheme was introduced in Wales eight years ago and has since become the national standard for parks both here and in England.
Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park and Brynmill Park have all retained the status from 2012, but Cwmdonkin Park is a new recipient in 2013.
The park, within a stone’s throw of Dylan Thomas’ childhood home on Cwmdonkin Drive, is being refurbished in time for the 100th anniversary of the poet’s birth next year. Features of the project include the upgrade of the Dylan Thomas shelter there and a nostalgic tearoom that’s recapturing the creative spirit of 1930s Swansea. A new central seating area complete with stone carvings of quotes from some of Dylan’s most famous works has also been introduced as well as improved entrances and better toilets. Tidying-up and planting works could last until the autumn.
Its refurbishment is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Tourism Project backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Swansea Council and the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park.
Have a look at http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=17400 for more information about Swansea’s parks and green spaces.
