TECT Park Green Flag award tops stellar year
TECT Park has been awarded Recreation Aotearoa’s Green Flag Award for the fifth year in a row – topping off a stellar year for the park.
The Green Flag Award 2019/20 adds to the Supreme Green Flag Award won by the park in May for the inaugural Best of Parks Green Flag awards. TECT Park was the top contender from 27 Green Flag Parks throughout the country.
The latest Green Flag award announced this week is shared by 29 parks and open spaces selected across New Zealand by Recreation Aotearoa.
Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the ongoing success of the park in the Green Flag Awards is testament to the professionalism and quality of the staff that underlies everything the park embodies.
“People, sponsors and users can have faith that the Park is one of the best in the world. The success is also a result of the excellent collaboration of our two councils in the governance of the park and ensuring it is a well-supported operation.”
Tauranga Mayor Tenby Powell adds, “Receiving this prestigious award for the fifth year in a row is a great achievement for the sub-region. It is testament to both councils who have collaboratively turned this park into a hugely successful open space that caters to a range of active and passive recreational activities.”
Park Manager Bill Wheeler says the achievement is as much about what the park has to offer the community as it is about the park staff’s commitment and professionalism.
“The Green Flag is an excellent opportunity to benchmark ourselves against the best in the world and show that we can continue to provide a world leading facility for Western Bay residents.”
The award is judged across numerous criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, community involvement, accessibility and providing a warm welcome.
The Green Flag Award is an international programme that rewards parks and green spaces for providing high quality and innovative recreational experiences.
Recreation Aotearoa Outdoor Spaces Manager and Green Flag judge Karl Nesbitt says this year’s award features two new councils and seven new parks – a positive challenge for judges.
“We’ve had a great opportunity to experience some of New Zealand’s quality open spaces – a big thank you to the communities behind the management and delivery of these parks. Thanks also to the judges who volunteer their time and share their knowledge with the park teams.”
The 1650-hectare TECT Park in Upper Pyes Pa, is a joint venture between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City councils. It is the base for many outdoor sports user groups and its public facilities include tracks for walking, mountain biking, equestrian and family-focused motorcycle tracks and a dedicated dog exercise area.
