Horsham District Council and The Friends of Horsham Park are celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Horsham Park.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Horsham Park is a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the people who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for all to enjoy.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Tony Frankland said: “We are extremely happy and proud to have been recognised through this prestigious award.
Horsham Park is a jewel in the crown for Horsham District. It is enjoyed by so many people of all ages, all year-round for sports, community and play activities.
"It is a favourite meeting point for friends and family where they can all enjoy being in a natural green space that is so good for people’s wellbeing.
“My thanks go out to our officers, the Friends of Horsham Park and our many volunteers, partners and contractors for all the hard work they put in planning, developing and maintaining the park to achieve these standards. Congratulations to all involved.”
The award comes in a year which saw the Council successfully complete several key projects to further improve experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.
These include:
- Protection of the veteran Oak tree with the installation of fencing and a new path around it
- Re-routing of the path from the pond to Collyer’s College creating a more open route
- Installed new sensory play equipment and planting in the children’s play area
- Re-vitalised the surfacing in Park House Gardens improving accessibility for users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Additionally, the pillars originally from St Mary’s Churchyard have been topped to match the new paths, providing additional seating in the area.
Chair of The Friends of Horsham Park Sally Sanderson added: “We are thrilled that Horsham Park has once again received the Green Flag.
"It recognises the huge effort put into making Horsham Park such a great community space. Last year the Friends contributed over 2500 hours of gardening, conservation and litter picking.
“The enthusiasm of our volunteers is a key ingredient in making the partnership with the Parks and Countryside team so effective.
“There are many other volunteers also showing their love for the park. This year the award is particularly sweet as the Park now has Fields In Trust status meaning it is protected for recreation in perpetuity.”