Shared pathway takes out national award

Lake Macquarie City Council has won the National Award for Excellence from Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) for its innovative work in the construction of Red Bluff Shared Pathway at Eleebana.

The prestigious award was presented at the PLA Conference in Glenelg, South Australia.

PLA is the peak body and advocacy group for public parks, botanic gardens and open space environments, recreation and leisure facilities and services in Australia.

Red Bluff Shared Pathway was entered in the category Design, Development and Management Award for Open Space Development.

“Lake Macquarie City Council was one of 30 finalists in nine award categories selected from across the country,” said Council’s Manager City Projects, Adam Wakeman. “This award from PLA is great recognition for this popular community facility.

“Council won the award because of the unique walking and cycling experience Red Bluff Shared Pathway adds to Lake Macquarie’s foreshore pathway.

“The 380 meter long section is an elevated boardwalk built over the lake, which hugs the foreshore around the headland at Eleebana.

“It is three meters wide and provides three viewing platforms equally spaced along its length for users to relax and experience all the lake has to offer.

By linking the existing sections of pathway, the city can now boast a continuous lakeside pathway of approximately 8.9 kilometres from the Art Gallery at Booragul to Lions Park at Eleebana.

“Congratulations must go to the staff involved in this project, from the design team responsible for the creative features and custom elements, through to the project management team who ensured the successful construction of the pathway in difficult circumstances.

“Waeger Construction, responsible for the structural design and delivery of the project, was also key to the success of this iconic project.”

For further information contact Adam Wakeman on (02) 4921 0553.