Awards

The 2016 World Urban Parks Distinguished Individual Award

World Urban Parks provide international recognition of efforts by individuals, groups, and organisations to further park, open space, and recreation outcomes for citizens and the profession with a series of annual awards.

The first such award is the most prestigious individual award, the World Urban Parks Distinguished Individual Award.

The 2016 award was announced at the Gala Dinner of the World Urban Parks Congress, Cape Town, South Africa, 27 September 2016, with the award going to Neil McCarthy of Australia (see presentation here). The recipient receives a trophy and Honorary Membership of World Urban Parks.

Purpose and Criteria

To internationally recognise a significant or sustained contribution by an individual to furthering:

1. urban liveability and sustainability through parks, open, space, recreation and related endeavours

and

1. advancing the parks, open space and recreation industry through advocacy, development or leadership in related professional or peak organisations

Certified Park Professional International (CPPI)

The World Parks Academy recognizes that there are park professionals who impact the international profession. The Certified Park Professional International (CPPI) is the highest designation achieved through the World Parks Academy. All interested individuals must currently hold a CPP either through a letter of articulation or through direct application with the World Parks Academy.

Beyond the CPP, the CPPI has its own unique set of eligibility criteria and certification requirements.

Neil was the first Australian to be awarded the CPPI.