Mark Bowater is an urban parks and open space specialist with over 30 years’ experience in urban park management in Auckland, New Zealand. He is currently the Co-Chair for the World Urban Parks Asia-Pacific Region, a member of the WUP Healthy Parks Healthy Cities Committee, a Certified Parks Professional – International. Mark has 9 years’ experience as a non-executive Board Director for Recreation Aotearoa and is an Accredited Recreation Professional (ARPro). Mark is passionate about parks and the key role they play in liveable cities and has been the recipient of a number of industry awards. Mark is currently a Consultant with Jacobs, specializing in Community Infrastructure and Open Space, working on projects in New Zealand and Australia.