Four public parks in Rhondda Cynon Taf have once again received the internationally renowned Green Flag Award.
We’re proud and committed to providing beautifully maintained green spaces and parks in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Last month the Council announced that it was committing £2.9m to play, parks and sports investment across the County Borough.
The Council runs almost 100 parks and over 215 play areas across the county borough and has a significant ongoing investment programme to ensure they are maintained at the highest possible level.
It is council priority for residents of all ages to have access to good quality, well-maintained spaces – from families with young children who enjoy the fresh air, picnics and play areas to walkers, joggers and sports players who use pitches, courts and changing rooms.
The four award winners in RCT for 2025 are:
- Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd
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:
“Our parks and play areas are important to our communities, especially as we approach a season of school holidays and, hopefully continued good weather.
“A huge amount of work goes into not only maintaining our parks, but ensuring they are safe, welcoming spaces with fantastic facilities.
“We want people to be able to enjoy our parks in whatever way they choose – through play, picnics, a peaceful place to read, a walking spot, a sports venue or just an open space to relax, enjoy and be mindful.
“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 Council and its dedicated parks teams put a lot of work into achieving the Green Flag Award and it’s really 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.
“Last month we announced even more investment and confirmed that a further £2.9m to the ongoing programme, which is testament to our commitment. Congratulations to all involved for once again achieving this award.”
For more information on parks in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/Parks.
Posted on 06/08/2025