The Green Flag Award recognises well managed parks and green spaces of the highest quality, with each site retaining the title for one year. For a site to be eligible for the award it must be freely accessible to the public and score well against the following eight criteria:

• a welcoming place
• healthy, safe and secure
• clean and well maintained
• sustainability
• conservation and heritage
• community involvement
• marketing
• management

Since 2007, Milton Keynes Council has enjoyed continued success in its drive to achieve Green Flag honours in a number of local parks including:

• Chepstow Drive local park - first awarded accreditation in 2007
• New Bradwell Park - 2008
• Eaglestone Local Park - 2009
• Leon Recreation Ground - 2011

Each park possesses the Green Flag Award for one year and must submit an application to be judged annually to maintain the accreditation. This process ensures there is sustained development and involvement at each park. 

These awards would not have been possible without the continued efforts of volunteers from the local community. By becoming a ‘Friend’ of your local park you can become an active member of the community and have a direct input into how the park is managed and developed as well as help organise events and activities. Friends groups meet throughout the year and have support from the neighbourhood management team.

Please note that Chepstow Drive local park and Eaglestone local park are now managed by their local Town and Community Councils.