Every year PLA holds their National Award showcase with the finalists announced at events across the country. The national winners are revealed at the prestigious Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, this year to be held on 29 October at the Crown Perth, Western Australia.
“The National Finalists showcase the excellent work of parks and leisure professionals who deliver enormous benefit to our communities,” states PLA.
Check out some of these finalist projects from the PLA National Awards.
PARK OF THE YEAR AWARD | NSW/ACT
Rowan Robinson Park | Tweed Shire Council
After years of storms and fears about the economic viability of Kingscliff with the retreating foreshore, confidence is now restored with the completion of the central park. The Rowan Robinson park opening gives the space back to the community providing a heart, village green to meet, greet and be seen.
COMMUNITY FACILITY OF THE YEAR AWARD | NSW/ACT
The Calyx | The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
The Calyx is the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's jewel – a living art gallery and bespoke piece of architecture that has put our horticulture and science on the world stage. The Calyx features the Southern Hemisphere's largest green wall and is a hub of community activity attracting 1000+ visitors daily.
PARK OF THE YEAR AWARD | VIC/TAS
Djerring Trail | ASPECT Studios, Level Crossing Removal Project, COX
The new parkland and Djerring Trail, as part of the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Program, is a unique and benchmarking project delivering new open space and recreational typologies for Australia. It demonstrates how infrastructure can deliver much needed public open space for our growing and dense urban communities.
PLAYSPACE AWARD (<$0.5M) (JOINT WINNER) | QLD
Tamborine Mountain | Playscape Creations, Mode, Scenic Rim Regional Council
The playspace at Lions Park has embodied the nature surrounding the area, utilising sustainable materials and natural components with lengthy lifespans, and landscaping with native plants endemic to Tamborine Mountain. Its broad appeal has proven a success in Council's goal of delivering healthy active lifestyle opportunities for its communities.
For more information and to see the full list of finalists click here.