The Highfields Sport and Recreation Park has been named Queensland’s Community Facility of the Year at a leading industry awards function in Toowoomba. The facility will also be listed as a finalist at the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) national awards at Perth in October.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was honoured to accept the state award that was presented at the PLA Queensland Awards of Excellence dinner at The Annex. The PLA Awards of Excellence aim to promote and encourage best industry practice and recognise achievements and outstanding work by individuals and teams employed in the parks and leisure industry.

Mayor Antonio said the win recognised the outstanding contribution of contractors, Council staff and input from Highfields sporting and community members across the two stages of planning and construction of the 39 hectare facility. “Council’s vison was to design and construct a high quality, multi-sport facility that not only catered for one of the major growth areas in our region, but a centre that was capable of hosting regional, state and national sports competitions,” Mayor Antonio said, “Sports groups are enjoying the first-rate facilities which cater for summer and winter codes.

The award category assessed how each project met community needs, specific design features, best practice in project management and delivery and the benefits it delivers to the community. Towoomba Regional Council Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Councillor Joe Ramia said the park had been embraced by the wider sporting community since the first stage was opened in May 2016.“Community benefits at the site extend beyond the organised sporting competitions to the natural parkland facilities that offer picnic and recreation outings for people of all ages and abilities,” Councillor Ramia said, “We need to encourage more active participation across the whole community.”

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