Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18Benefits • Encourage increased use of parks and green spaces for leisure activities, with health and wellbeing benefits • Provide children with safe areas to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle • Provide areas for individuals and communities to participate in healthy living activities and events • Promote positive contact between different ethnic groups and open communication in a non-threatening, social atmosphere • Encourage community involvement in management and development Willenhall Memorial Park, West Midlands The focus on health and wellbeing at Willenhall Memorial Park stands out for all to see. Aided by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the park has reinstated existing facilities and created new ones, including a bowling green, skate park, outdoor fitness center, tennis courts, multi- use games area and as walking and cycling routes. A range of events is provided by Walsall Council and partners, and supported by the active Friends’ Group. These events include weekly walking groups, fishing and bowling, as well as summertime bandstand concerts. The parks rangers have even been trained as fitness instructors and run gym sessions on the outdoor equipment. Programmes throughout the summer promote the park, such as sports tournaments, wildlife sessions and fun activities including as leaf printing and building nature dens. In 2015, the Friends began a voluntary refreshment service during summer events in the park, with all profits reinvested into the park. Recreational parks Parks and green spaces give people the opportunity to be more active by giving them great places for them exercise regularly. Football pitches, tennis courts, skate parks, outdoor gyms, walking trails and other amenities and programmes are getting people moving and helping them get fit. Research has shown that people who have good access to green space experience greater wellbeing, suffer less illness and are less likely to die from chronic health conditions. 14 THE GREEN FLAG AWARD “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy. This Award recognises and highlights that people in Willenhall are benefiting from a green space of the very highest quality and I’d like to thank all the volunteers who help to make our park the great success that it is.” Councillor Diane Coughlan, Friends of Willenhall Memorial Park