Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to epic scenery and beautifully maintained green spaces and parks. It’s therefore a huge delight to announce that FOUR public parks in the County Borough have received the internationally renowned Green Flag Award. The four award winners for 2024 are:
- Aberdare Park
- Dare Valley Country Park
- Taff’s Well Park
- Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd - the home of the National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024.
The Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Independent judges visited each site and awarded marks against strict criteria, covering themes such as biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said:
A huge amount of work goes into not only maintaining our parks, but ensuring they are safe, welcoming spaces with fantastic facilities.
Every park in Rhondda Cynon Taf that has achieved Green Flag status this year, has immaculate flower beds and playgrounds – but also some very unique features!
Aberdare Park dates from the Victorian era and its fountain is the same as the one outside the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Dare Valley Country Park has seen some changes in recent years, including the arrival of Gravity Family Bike Park – the only family bike park in Wales. Continuing on the theme of unique features, Taff’s Well Park has the only thermal spring in Wales while Ynysangharad War Memorial Park hosts the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. It’s clear to see that the parks in Rhondda Cynon Taf offer a wide range of activities and green spaces to relax and enjoy nature.
The Green Flag Award is not an easy one to achieve and the fact our parks are awarded it year after year is a testament to the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the incredibly high standards required in order to fly a Green Flag. Congratulations to all involved for once again achieving this award.
Posted on 22/07/2024