FOUR local parks have been recognised in an international scheme celebrating green spaces.
Green Flag Awards were given to Princes Park, Beacon Park, Burntwood Park and Stowe Pool and Fields.
The accolade is designed to honour well-managed open spaces that support local residents and nature.
This year saw the district double the amount of parks to receive the award as Princes Park and Stowe Pool and Fields scooped the accolade for the first time.
Cllr Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council's cabinet member for parks, said:
"We're incredibly proud that Lichfield district is now home to four Green Flag Award parks.
"This is fantastic recognition of the hard work that takes place every day to keep our parks welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
"It's particularly exciting to see Princes Park and Stowe Pool and Fields achieve Green Flag status for the first time alongside the continued success of Beacon Park and Burntwood Park.
"Our parks are much more than green spaces. They're places where people exercise, spend time with family and friends, connect with nature and support their wellbeing.
"These awards reflect our continued commitment to investing in high-quality parks that our communities can be proud of."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager, said:
"Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy, yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.
"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
"Lichfield District Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
