Long-time city councillor Ray Hamm will receive the Award of Merit from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association at their upcoming convention on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Yorkton.

Currently serving his fifth term on city council, Hamm has long been involved on both the city parks and recreation boards, and was nominated for this award by the parks board.

In an interview, Hamm said he knew of the nomination, but still was amazed when he was informed he would win the award.

"I was surprised I had won it, particularly when it came from the parks board, as I've done much more on the recreation side of things - but I'm very honoured to get the award," said Hamm.

He noted he's been on the parks board for some 10-12 years, and was on the recreation board in the early 1980s, plus he's served as a coach for many minor sports teams for a number of years.

In relation to parks, Hamm felt the best achievement they've had while he was involved was the work on developing the Tatagwa Parkway into the park it is today.

Noting the parks board developed an 100-year plan in the mid-80s, he said Tatagwa Parkway is roughly 30-35 years ahead of what the planners originally thought would be possible with its development.

"We've been fortunate with grants from provincial and federal governments, and service clubs, such as the Rotary and Young Fellows particularly. This latest grant we got for the Riverfront Market area, the boardwalk, was a godsend," said Hamm.

The boardwalk was in the plans for that area, but it wasn't planned to be a reality for a number of years yet; now, it is nearly finished, and was done under-budget with the Centennial grant.

Over the years, Hamm has also been involved in other community groups, including serving as president of the Weyburn Kinsmen and K40 Clubs, and currently also serves as chair of the city's Facilities Committee.