Date: 17/09/2007
Manor Park was the centre of attention on Friday afternoon, when friends and supporters gathered to hoist the recently awarded green flag, and witness the official opening of the new gates.
This is the first time that Manor Park has achieved the coveted Green Flag status. This means that the borough has been presented with 3 Green Flags this year, because Howard Park and Buxton's Pavilion Gardens have had their awards renewed. The Pavilion Gardens has also achieved the Green Heritage Site status again.
The Civic Trust administers the Green Flag Award. It is the only comprehensive national benchmark available to parks, and recognizes the management, maintenance, safety and community aspects of the grounds.
Councillor Andrew Bingham, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for Social and Community Development, campaigned to bring gates back to the Manor Park Road entrance after almost 35 years. He organised the supply of the new gates, which were crafted by a local company.
Representatives of the Manor Park Friends group and the bowling club joined councillors, council officers and members of the parks team to watch High Peak's Mayor, Councillor Jean Wharmby hoist the Green Flag and cut the ribbon to declare the new gates open.
Joyce Ashley, Chairwoman of the Friends of Manor Park, who was delighted with the award, said: "The Green Flag recognizes the work of the volunteers who have worked with the council to make Manor Park so welcoming."
Councillor Bingham said: "The council is continuing to achieve excellence in our major parks. The awards demonstrate our commitment to provide welcoming, accessible facilities for residents and visitors throughout the borough. It is particularly rewarding to see the Green Flag flying over Manor Park for the first time. The new gates are the icing on the cake."