Park’s dream team targets more awards

3:00pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A COMMUNITY group responsible for the transformation of a Kidderminster park has been recognised with a prestigious national award for the fourth consecutive year.

The Friends of Broadwaters Park have been granted the green pennant award, a part of the Green Flag scheme, the national standard for quality parks and green spaces.

Friends chairman, Jim Marsh, said: “It is great to win it again and every year feels better.

“We can’t sit back but have to keep coming up with new projects and to maintain existing standards.”

He added: “All the members are extremely pleased and it is really quite an anxious time before the public announcement of the award winners.”

Judges recognised factors including community involvement, access, security and safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainabilty, biodiversity, heritage and successful improvement projects.

Mr Marsh explained that last August they had installed a water wheel as a major feature of the park while they had also introduced a new “log roll” flower bed.

He said they organised daily litter picks that were conducted in rotation by pairs who would also water all the hanging baskets.

He added they were “closely involved” with the local community, organising “popular” plant sales and setting in motion events like the park’s “highly successful” celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Mr Marsh said they also tried to “stay true” to the character of the park and explained their decision not to install a fountain be saying it was “inappropriate” to the setting.

He added: “We want to win more and more awards in the future and also a fifth green pennant award.”

The Friends group was formed five years ago following a Wyre Forest District Council-led initiative called Revitalising Broadwaters Mill.

Members have overseen the transformation of the park into a well used, successful and tidy green space in the town.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Broadwaters Inn and anyone interested is welcome to attend to find out more about the group.