Teignbridge flying the flag with three of the best green spaces

Newton Abbot’s Decoy Country Park and Courtenay Park, and The Den in Teignmouth have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme.

The trio of Teignbridge-owned recreation areas are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now in its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. 2017 marks Decoy’s eleventh consecutive year of winning the award, The Den’s ninth consecutive award and Courtenay Park’s seventh consecutive award.

Courtenay Park is home to a sensory garden and bandstand, Decoy Country Park has its water sports and wet-play areas, and The Den offers an award winning children’s play area and skate park.

The Green Flag Award is one of a number of accreditation schemes that recognises excellence in the management of our public space. Keep Britain Tidy also manages the Blue Flag Award for well maintained and clean beaches, which Dawlish Warren is flying for the 19th year running.

Cllr Phil Bullivant, Teignbridge District Council's executive for recreation and leisure said:
"The Green Flag awards given to Teignbridge for parks in Teignmouth and Newton Abbot are recognition for our hard working staff who look after our green spaces so well. We are delighted that the inclusion of Courtney Park, Decoy Park and The Den together with the numerous Blue Flag awards for our beaches means that Teignbridge has a wide range of nationally recognised areas available for residents to enjoy.
Chrissie Drew, Teignbridge District Council’s Green Spaces Project Officer said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have retained our three Green Flag Awards and this is fantastic news for everyone. We appreciate how much quality green spaces matter to our residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining them to such a high standard.”

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager said:
“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Teignbridge District Council's ward members:

Cllr Sylvia Russell, ward member for Teignmouth East said: “To have attained Green Flag status yet again is a testament to the hard work of the green spaces team and the outside staff throughout the District. It is particularly welcome in Teignmouth as over the last year the town has had considerable disruption on the sea front due to unavoidable sea defence work which has meant a lot more effort from everyone to keep up our high standards.”

Cllr Jackie Brodie, ward member for Newton Abbot Bushell said: “The Green Flag Awards recognise and reward well managed green spaces and parks. I would like to congratulate all those involved with Courtenay Park retaining its Green Flag. The Park is a wonderful credit to the town, at a key entrance point for train users, with good facilities that are well used across the generations. It is also well used for a number of town events. These facilities will be added to following the recent planning approval for the renovation of the old air raid shelter to an Information Centre/Museum. The external improvements to the building will bring a positive addition to the Park in physical appearance and its use as a museum will provide social benefit. Litter has on occasions been an issue in the Park, and I would urge users of the Park, ideally to take their litter away with them, or alternatively dispose of it in a bin.”

Cllr Robert Hayes, ward member for Newton Abbot Bushell said: “I am extremely happy that Newton Abbot’s Courtenay Park has retained this award and it’s a credit to all involved in the cultivation, maintenance and upkeep of this beautiful park. My congratulations also go to the Den and Decoy Park.”

Cllr Mike Pilkington, ward member for Newton Abbot College said: “Once again, Teignbridge District Council’s Green Spaces Team have bagged the coveted Green Flag Award for Decoy Park. This award recognises that Decoy Park has been maintained to a very high standard, offering a quality environment where all visitor can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

“The effort put in by the Green Spaces Team to win the award on just one occasion is enormous. To maintain that high standard year on year takes even more dedication and attention to detail. A huge round of applause and ‘Thank You’ to all involved in winning this prestigious award once again.”