Levin’s Thompson House Gardens has been awarded an international Green Flag, making it one of only 20 Green Flag parks in New Zealand.

Green Flag Awards recognise and reward well-managed parks and green spaces, and aim to ensure everyone has access to good quality green spaces that meet the needs of the community.

Applicants for the Green Flag are judged against 27 criteria, and must demonstrate a good understanding of the park site and its users, as well as an active management plan.

Property and Parks Manager Arthur Nelson said the Green Flag scheme is considered an international benchmark for good management of outdoor recreational spaces.

“We’re very proud that one of our parks has been awarded a Green Flag,” he said.

“It creates good profile for Levin and will help to make Horowhenua a destination. Most importantly, it’s good to know we’re getting it right for the people of our district. Parks are where the community goes for recreation, and they’re very important to quality of life.”

Speaking on behalf of Keep Horowhenua Beautiful, Councillor Victoria Kaye-Simmons said the award was a “wonderful recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication to the community by Council officers, contractors and volunteers”.

“Investing in our public parks and open spaces helps our community to maintain healthy lifestyles and civic pride, as well as creating a vision for continued beautification of our district,” she said.

A flagpole will be erected in the gardens to fly the flag.

The Green Flags scheme is administered for the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government by UK-based environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which sub-licences it to the New Zealand Recreation Association in this country.

ENDS

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