Double The Honour for Richmond at 2009 BCRPA Awards
02 June 2009
The City of Richmond Parks, Recreation and Culture Department was honoured with two awards Friday at the 2009 BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) annual meeting.
The department won the 2009 Program Excellence Award for the innovative pilot program “Decreasing Barriers, Increasing Wellness” and the 2009 Environmental Leadership Award for Terra Nova Rural Park.
“The City always looks for new and innovative ways to deliver a high standard of services that ensure all Richmond residents have access to an active, healthy lifestyle,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “It’s an honour to have our efforts recognized by the BCRPA, and I extend my congratulations to the staff in Parks, Recreation and Culture on their award-winning accomplishments.”
“Decreasing Barriers, Increasing Wellness” is a seniors’ outreach program designed to bring frail and isolated seniors back into parks, recreation programs and services. It recognizes that some older adults are frail and have disabilities or health conditions that create a barrier to accessing regular seniors’ programs. The pilot project, funded in part by Union of BC Municipalities, involved 42 seniors in four sessions and included transportation to and from the home, community centre membership, fitness class, out trips and special events, lunch and snacks, counselling and follow up. After a very successful pilot, the department is seeking funding to continue the program this fall.
Terra Nova reflects the City’s commitment to sustainability through its non-traditional use of city parkland. The park is dedicated to agricultural heritage preservation, education, and ecological restoration and conservation, and has become a model for public process and involvement in developing non-traditional parkland. Terra Nova has also been recognized nationally, winning several awards for excellence in innovation and environmental best practices.
