7 October
Christchurch’s Orton Bradley Park has a new wheelchair access pathway thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Department of Corrections Community Probation Services (CPS).
Offenders on community work have built the new pathway through the park’s popular rhododendron garden just in time for Spring.
“Community Probation Services in Christchurch has an ongoing relationship with Orton Bradley Park and over the last year offenders on community work have assisted with clearing areas of bush, creating gardens and pathways and chopping vast amounts of firewood,” Orton Bradley Park Manager Ian Luxford says.
“The relationship between CPS and Orton Bradley Park has existed for more than ten years and has become a highly productive partnership, producing a large number of very beneficial, publicly accessible attractions.
“I’ve been really impressed by the professionalism of the supervisors I’ve worked with, and the dedication that a number of the workers have shown.”
Orton Bradley Park is registered as a charitable trust that relies on donations and entry fees to maintain and develop the park. This project is a successful example of the partnership between the Canterbury Community Trust, who provided the funds for the materials, Orton Bradley Park, and CPS.
Community work sentences require offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as reparation for their offending.
“Projects such as this are a great way for offenders to give something back to the community. Not only is it a practical way for offenders to learn work habits that assist with getting employment, but offenders also get a real sense of pride from their efforts,” CPS Area Manager Nick Scott says.
Annually, New Zealand communities benefits from over 3.7 million hours of labour supplied through community work sentences.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz