Outdoor staff who worked closely on the successful completion of the project, joined Mayor Milton Evans, Cr Dot Price and senior staff for an afternoon tea at the North Road offices.

The City was named a finalist in the Design, Development and Management Award – Parks section of the Parks and Leisure Australia Awards.

The finalist certificate was presented by Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron in Perth on August 10.

The winners will be announced at a conference in Darwin on September 13-16 where Works Manager Mike Richardson will make a presentation.

Stage One of the Anzac Peace Park was completed just before this year’s Anzac Day with the construction of the sea wall, crushed rock paving and landscaping.

Mr Evans said the Anzac Peace Park would provide recognition of Albany’s Anzac heritage through interpretation systems, pathways, furniture, public art and landscaping.

“It will continue to be used for mid-morning Anzac Day services and throughout the year for public commemoration and private contemplation,” he said.

A significant part of Stage One is unseen with the environment having to be taken into consideration during its initial stages.

“One of its main elements is improving the quality of storm water flowing into the harbour,” Mr Evans said.

In the past, the majority of central Albany’s stormwater discharged directly into Princess Royal Harbour via several large pipes located predominantly within the park.

Through lakes and other filtration ideas, the designers provided a reduction of run-off and peak flows with an increase in storage, filtration, reuse and minimisation of impervious soil areas.

The aim was to retain sedimentation and remove nutrients and other contaminants.

Mr Evans said the park was a significant part of the waterfront development that was enhancing a major part of the city.

He said the park protected the vista from York Street to Princess Royal Harbour which has been a major demand of the community.

When Stage Two is completed, it will remain open for total public access.

Mr Evans said he hoped to make the completion of the second stage a special occasion before Anzac Day next year as part of the lead-up to the centenary in 2014.

School children will be invited to “take ownership” of the park by planting trees.