For release Friday, 18 November 2011

New Plymouth District Council Wins National Award

New Plymouth District Council’s work on the Bell Block Path won it the New Zealand Recreation Association’s (NZRA) 2011 Outstanding Project Award at last night’s NZRA annual awards ceremony.

Awarded the world’s most environmentally sustainable project by Liveable Communities 2008 as well as other awards for excellence, The Bell Block Path extends the Coastal Walkway 4kms from New Plymouth to Bell Block along previously un-trodden ground. It is set off by the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge that is utilitarian, unique and which frames the stunning backdrop of Mount Taranaki. Its use exceeded expectations with over 430,000 users in its first year.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said the judges especially liked the fact that the path unlocked the potential of a low-key coastal area making positive use of a formerly idle region.

“While there was significant investment in physical infrastructure, the outcome created is so much more. The path provides connectivity for commuter cyclists and those seeking a more recreational experience. In addition, the respectful processes of engagement throughout the entire process with local Iwi and others, such as a local golf club, were hallmarks of an outstanding project,” Leslie said.

The NZRA Outstanding Awards were presented during NZRA’s annual conference awards dinner, which was held at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium. Recreation professionals from all around the country attended the conference, entitled “Recreation – we’ve got it covered”, which focussed on high level strategy, development, policy, and planning topics relevant to and across the range of sectors that make up the recreation industry. The key areas of this year's conference were: access, research, health, the impact of natural disasters and the future of the recreation industry.
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“Recreation is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing,” says Leslie. “We are fortunate in New Zealand to have access to great outdoor parks and reserves, we have modern recreation facilities and a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to delivering innovative, safe, appropriate and entertaining recreational services.

“The awards are about thanking those people, and recognising those among them who raise the bar, develop original solutions and inspire New Zealanders to get active and healthy,” he says.

Ends…

New Zealand Recreation Association is a not for profit industry member organisation committed to promoting recreation and providing professional services to the recreation sector.

NZRA represents professionals who work with public swimming pools, parks and open spaces, recreation facilities and recreation programmes. We believe recreation is vital to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

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