Kiama Council has officially opened the new Hindmarsh Park, upgrade of the playground, landscaping, stage and picnic facilities at the popular reserve in the middle of Kiama.
Mayor Cameron McDonald this morning cut the ribbon on the $4.5 million project along with Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and local primary school students.
"For generations of locals and visitors, Hindmarsh Park is as much a part of Kiama as our harbour, blowhole and beaches," Cr McDonald said.
"This investment by Kiama Council and the NSW Government means it will be a cherished place for generations to come."
"I want to thank our community for their involvement and support throughout the extensive design, consultation, planning and funding work required to deliver this project."
"I also want to thank the NSW Government for their significant funding support."
The NSW Government provided $4.5 million for the project via a range of funding programs, including the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, Stronger Country Communities Fund and Get Active NSW (Active Transport: Walking/Cycling).
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said it was fantastic to see the new and improved Hindmarsh Park open to the public.
"Hindmarsh Park's transformation is more than just new equipment and landscaping, it's about creating spaces that bring people together, fostering stronger communities, and providing the infrastructure our regional towns deserve," Minister Moriarty said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson said the Get Active funding "enabled a 180-metre shared pathway providing a high-quality walking and cycling connection to improve access to Hindmarsh Park's new playground and picnic facilities from the town centre and waterfront."
Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward MP, said he was proud to have secured funding for a project that preserved public open green spaces for families and children to enjoy.
"I am absolutely delighted with the 'finished product' as the upgraded facilities will continue to serve our local Kiama community for many decades to come," Mr Ward said.
"I know that the new playground and picnic areas will be hugely popular!"
The new Hindmarsh Park boasts a new playground featuring rope climbing, bridges, slides, climbing walls, swings, balance walls and stepping stones.
There's a focus on accessible features such as the trampoline, marimba, swings, seesaw and carousel.
There's also the ever-important barbecue, picnic furniture, shelters and water bubbler.
Another focus is the natural elements of a sensory trail, sand and water play.
This extends to the new landscaping which includes native plants such as Blue Flax Lily, Kangaroo Grass, Tussock Grass, White Correa, Guinea Flower, Coastal Rosemary and Honey Myrtle.
The much-loved Orry Kelly Stage has been given a new lease on life with a new canopy, new stairs and terraces at front and sides for events and presentations, as well as new electrical and communication systems.
The accessibility ramp has also been upgraded, as has the accessible pathway to the nearby laneway.
Council thanks Growth Civil Landscapes for the landscaping and installation of the new playground, and Proludic for supplying the new play equipment.
Photo: Mayor Cameron McDonald with Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and students from Kiama Public School cutting the ribbon for Hindmarsh Park
Anna Watson
