Frome’s Victoria Park and the Mary Baily Playing Field have been jointly awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award: an international mark of excellence for parks and green spaces.
Green Flag judges visited in April, exploring the wide range of activities, facilities and community projects that happen in the parks and how the area is managed by Frome Town Council.
Assessors praised the park’s welcoming atmosphere, strong community involvement and features such as the toddler play area, the community bowls clubs, murals, a carved bench created from a heritage tree felled in 2025 due to a fungal infection, and the community café. They also praised the bandstand, planting and wildflower beds on site.
They were particularly impressed by the way local people have helped shape the park, recognising projects including the sunflower planting and plans for the new skatepark, as well as a co-design project with young people planned, for the Mary Baily this summer.
Councillor Polly Lamb said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Victoria Park has received this well-deserved recognition. The Green Flag Award celebrates not only the quality of the park itself but also the many people who help make it such a special place.
“From our dedicated rangers to the volunteers, organisations, schools and community groups who bring this lovely park to life or simply come to enjoy it, this award belongs to everyone who cares about Victoria Park and the Mary Baily. It reflects FTC’s commitment to creating welcoming, accessible spaces where people of all ages can come together, enjoy nature and take part in community life. And soon that will include an amazing new skatepark!”
Judges also recognised the park’s impressive collection of trees, including those sponsored by residents and planted by local schoolchildren, with plans for a future tree trail adding to its appeal.
The award will be made official at a formal ceremony later in the summer. Find out more about the Green Flag Awards at https://www.greenflagaward.org/.
