Six Burnley parks have been officially recognised among the country’s best after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards for 2026.
Ightenhill Park, Padiham Memorial Park, Queen’s Park, Scott Park, Thompson Park and Towneley Park have all achieved the internationally recognised quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.
They are among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK to receive the award this year, as the Green Flag Award celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Each of Burnley’s award-winning parks has its own character and is valued by the residents and communities who use it.
The awards recognise the year-round work of council staff, volunteers, friends groups and partner organisations to keep the parks welcoming, safe and maintained to a high standard.
Councillor Martyn Hurt, Burnley Council’s executive member for health, leisure and culture, said:
“This is brilliant news for Burnley and Padiham and a real credit to everyone who works so hard to look after our parks.
“Our parks are a big part of everyday life across the borough. People use them to walk the dog, play sport, spend time with family and friends or simply enjoy being outdoors.
“These awards recognise the work of our parks staff, volunteers, friends groups and partners throughout the year. A lot of that work happens quietly behind the scenes, but it makes a real difference to the people who use and enjoy these spaces.
“We are extremely proud to have six Green Flag parks, and I would like to thank everyone who has helped to achieve this.”
The council has been celebrating the awards during Love Parks Week by sharing photographs, aerial videos, park histories and other content about the six sites.
Residents have responded by sharing their own memories and experiences of the parks and the important part they play in their communities.
What the Green Flag judges said about Burnley’s parks
Padiham Memorial Park
“Memorial Park has a very broad and enviable offer of really well-maintained facilities and a new café in the upper park.”
“To visit a children’s play area where there is water play that is working is a sheer joy and is to be much envied – this is a great example of how well maintained the facilities in Memorial Park are.
“The toilets are clean and so well maintained, superb for a park of this size”.
Thompson Park
“Thompson Park is a magnificent park providing joy and memories for countless families across Burnley and beyond.”
“The care and dedication of the staff, volunteers, Friends, Miniature Railway team, and other partners, shines through.”
“Everyone has a shared vision for the park and work together to achieve this. This comes through in the excellent accessible toilet and changing facility next to the car park, and the care of well-loved features like the miniature railway and paddling pool to keep them going as cherished features in the park.”
Ightenhill Park
“Well done to all involved at Ightenhill park which is a fantastic asset for all who use it both from local community as well as wildlife and It is evident that the park is well-cared for and cherished for by all users of the local community”
“It is impressive to see the progress that’s been made with Tennis & ball court court refurbishment and disabled access”
Queen’s Park
“Queens is an excellent park which provides good facilities and events for the community and easily meets the standards of the Green Flag. It is well maintained and welcoming and has had significant investment recently in the play area, bowls pavilion, new football pitches and restored fountain”.
“The park staff are very enthusiastic and keen to develop the park further”
Scott Park
“It was a pleasure to visit this park. It’s clearly a well-used and well-loved site that is at the heart of the community and the park is full of people enjoying themselves. Scott Park is a worthy winner of the Green Flag Award.”
“Recent improvements like the upgraded tennis courts, ball court and pavilion & toilets show the continuous effort and improvement that’s needed to keep parks alive and in great condition”
Towneley Park
“Towneley is an excellent park and a real asset to Burnley. It has a highly dedicated team of staff and a very active passionate friends of group.”
“Overall, the range of facilities standards across the park are excellent and Towneley Park is a worthy Green Flag winner, and place that the council and residents should be immensely proud of. It is an example of what can be achieved through good leadership, innovation, and passion.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, 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.
“Burnley Council have 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.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark for their management across the UK and around the world.
Residents can see more photographs and videos from the six parks by following Burnley Council on social media.
Post expires at 1:42pm on Friday November 6th, 2026