The International Green Flag Organisation which judges Public Parks and Community Green Spaces in countries all over the world, announced on Friday 8th November that Abbeyfeale was being presented with no less than 3 International Awards.
1. Green Flag Award for Abbeyfeale Town Park, which recognises the work of the CE Scheme Workers and Voluntary Management Committee in the Park’s upkeep and development. This follows on from other recent good news that funding has been approved for the upgrading of the Children’s Playgrounds and building of a new Astro Turf Area which is due to start in 2025.
2. Green Flag Heritage Site Award for the development of the Light On Stone Reflection Space, within the Town Park, and the repurposing of large stones originally used in the building of the old St Mary’s Church in the 1840s, for seating within that space.
3. Green Flag Community Award for the development of Abbeyfeale Biodiversity Park and Training Centre, out of what was initially a disused and derelict site and which was helped greatly by the generosity of local individuals and businesses who donated thousands of euro worth of specialised advice, works, and goods, towards its development.
Maurice O’Connell, Chairperson of Abbeyfeale Community Council, expressed his delight at the well deserved recognition for all those involved who have given of their time and effort in doing what they can for the betterment of Abbeyfeale. He also pointed out that Abbeyfeale Town Park and Abbeyfeale Biodiversity Park are unique in that they are two of only a very small number of parks in the Country that are managed on a totally voluntary basis, which makes these International Awards for the respective Parks and their supporters all the more sweeter.