From Tammy Facey
Last Monday saw the raising of the Green Flag for Brunswick Park in Wednesbury as a mark of recognition of the Park’s recent improvements. Independently judged, and part of the Keep Britain Tidy group, Brunswick Park now joins one of six Parks in the borough that have received the accolade.
Your local park should be an enjoyable space for all and Brunswick Park,wasn’t quite up so scratch. Sandwell council has done some gardening work, pruning if you will. Victoria Park in Tipton, Sandwell Valley Park in West Bromwich, Victoria Park in Smethwick, Ayden Hill Park in Rowley Regis and Barnford Park in Oldbury, have all received investment and scrubbed up nicely.
A local council member spoke of the efforts Sandwell council have made: “This small commotion is a celebration that Brunswick Park has achieved a green flag standard, which is a mark of quality. A management plan is drawn up for a park, an application to be entered is submitted and independent judges come and scrutinise. The judges check the following criteria: community engagement, sustainability, cleanliness, park usage, environmental sustainability, and heritage features of the park. Having passed the set criteria it is hoped, Wednesbury can sustain this level because it is an annually judged affair, an annual check up you might say.”
Brunswick Park has changed from a plain space with minimal attractions, to a park that is ideal for local residents of all ages: children, adults, and gym-bunnies will find climbing frames, outdoor gym equipment including a new tennis courts, basketball spaces, and a half pipe for keen skateboarders.
The park is now surrounded by a new fence that keeps children safe, dogs in the park and generally keeps the fun – as many parents and Grandparents will delight – contained. It was definitely a worry before to take grandchildren to the park, says one local resident, because of the park being on the main road.
It seems the West Midlands is having a clean up. Councils are sitting up and recognising the need and want for change. As corny as it sounds the sign of the green flag is one of hope that the West Midlands will sustain its new, cleaned up act, retain the right have a raised green flag and keep public places for the people.