TECT Park has been awarded Recreation Aotearoa's Green Flag Award for the sixth year in a row.

The Green Flag Award 2020 is an added birthday present for the Western Bay park which has just celebrated its 10th year of operation.

The latest Green Flag award is shared by 24 parks and open spaces selected across New Zealand by Recreation Aotearoa (RA).

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the ongoing success of the park is testament to the professionalism that underlies everything the park embodies – and contributes to the public's enjoyment of what the park has to offer.

'This spirit was displayed last weekend when so many people visited the park to celebrate its 10^th birthday. People, sponsors and users can have faith that the park is one of the best in the country.”

Tauranga City Deputy Mayor Tina Salisbury says the prestigious Green Flag Award is a hallmark of quality which the Western Bay community, councils and park staff can take pride in.

'Our thanks go to the Park's main sponsor, TECT, for helping us deliver this wonderful recreational facility, which is seeing increasing use and recognition, locally and nationally.”

Park Manager Bill Wheeler says 2020 has been a difficult year for many and TECT Park is a wonderful place to escape and forget your worries for a while.

'In our tenth year of operation it is fantastic to once again be recognised as one of New Zealand's premier open spaces.”

The Green Flag Award is an international programme that rewards parks and green spaces for providing high quality and innovative recreational experiences.

Recreation Aotearoa Parks and Open Spaces Manager, Annette Richards, says it is fantastic to see so many of the country's parks investing time into creating spaces for communities to find joy.

The winning sites will be gifted a Green Flag to fly with pride in their parks.

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.

For more about the programme check out the Green Flag Award: https://www.greenflagaward.org/