Darlington Park One Of The Best In UK

West Park in Darlington is one of the very best in the UK – and that’s official.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,582 parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space. There are also two other award winners in the town - South Park and West Cemetery.

The award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Officially opened in 2005, West Park was the first new park created in Darlington in 100 years and boasts 12 hectares of woodlands, meadows and wetlands. There are also art features including metal bridges designed to look like railway carriages in honour of the town’s historic importance as the birthplace of the railways.

A natural play area has been created where youngsters can enjoy wobbly bridges, rope swings, tree houses, a climbing wall, slide and a bike track.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Local Environment, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the first time from Keep Britain Tidy.

“This Award recognises and highlights that people in Darlington are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.

West Park has proved very popular and receiving this award is a great way to celebrate its tenth anniversary.”

You can find out more about West Park here - Friends of West Park