AusLeisure

Respected parks and recreation academic Dr David Aldous, a founding members of Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA), has died.

Announcing Dr Aldous' passing, PLA Chief Executive Mark Band wrote to PLA members stating "it is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of long standing PLA member Dr David Aldous, he was 67.

"David passed away on Friday 1st November very unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm occurring immediately after returning home from a trip to Canada where he was participating at the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration (IFPRA) World Congress where he was awarded the IFPRA Silver Medal for his long and distinguished service to the organisation.

"David's untimely death comes as a shock to us all in the parks and recreation industry (in Australia and worldwide) to which he was a dedicated and tireless contributor over many years.

"Our thoughts go out to Kaye, Andrew, Matthew and Janine at this time.

"David had many strings to his academic bow. A BSc Hons from University of Sydney, a MSc and a PhD respectively from Cornell University and University of Michigan State both in the USA, and more recently a Grad Dip in Education Management from RMIT and a TAFE Certificate IV in Training & Assessment .

"Rising to Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne's School of Land & Environment, David retired (or rather semi-retired!) in 2007 to Queensland where he became an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland. In 2011 he was granted an Honorary Professorship by the University of South Africa.

"First joining the Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation in 1973, David served on the Victorian regional councils for both RAIPR and later PLA - his overall contributions were acknowledged in 2005 with PLA's highest accolade, the Frank Stewart Award, 'in recognition of significant innovation and best practice in the parks and leisure industry'.

"He was a member of the organising committees for several Victorian-based PLA National Conferences and in recent years served on the PLA NatConsulting Board.

"His enthusiasm and foresight included being instrumental in establishing the much acclaimed National School in Park Management at the University of Melbourne, running annually from 1996 to 2007 - providing mid-career training to over 350 participants in those twelve courses.

"In 2006 on behalf of PLA and along with Garry Henshall, David helped develop and subsequently deliver annual Certificated Park Management training to the Singapore National Parks Board's Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology.

"Also very active with IFPRA, David was an Australian Commissioner, becoming its Asia-Pacific Chair and subsequently World President (1998-2001) and was a member of its Science Task Force.

"He received its Australian Award for 'leadership in the field of parks and recreation' in 1995 and just days before his unexpected death was the recipient of its Silver Medal.

"In addition, David had been, since 2008, the Chair of the International Society for Horticultural Science's Commission on Education, Research, Training and Consultancy and was a member of the current organising committee for the Society's 2014 World Congress.

"David was a prolific researcher, educator and author. He was a speaker at many conferences in Australia and overseas especially on his specialist topics of urban horticulture, green space sustainability and sports grass/turf.

"Fondly admired and loved by his peers, David will be sorely missed by them and the whole parks and recreation industry will be saddened by his departure.

"He leaves an immeasurable legacy to the industry which can never be repaid.

"Our deep sympathies go to Kaye and the family at this difficult time - our collective thoughts are with you. We mourn your and our loss.

"Goodbye David - colleague, wise counsel, educator, best practitioner and dear friend of many."

David Aldous's funeral is to be held at St Colomb's Anglican Church, 23 Victoria Street, Clayfield, Queensland on Thursday 7th November.

Flowers and messages of condolences will be sent by Parks and Leisure Australia on behalf of members.

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