The wait is over for Wauchope locals who today joined Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson to celebrate the opening of the $2.3 million Bain Park playground and pump track.
"I've felt very privileged to attend many park and playground openings in the last seven years, but it is quite fitting that in my final year as Mayor I am able to open perhaps the most impressive park yet," Mayor Pinson said.
"Planning for this park upgrade commenced in 2020 through the adoption of the Bain Park Master Plan, which was developed following a series of comprehensive engagement activities to help beautify and improve this much-love space.
"I know how much this park means to the Wauchope community, and I want to thank all those - not least the NSW Government for its financial contribution to the project - for bringing this important park upgrade to fruition."
The Bain Park and play space was enabled with funding of $1.45 million under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy program, which delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.
A further $750,000 was contributed by Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) for pathways, public areas, and other infrastructure, and $100,000 was provided towards the construction of the BMX pump track under the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
PMHC engaged B&K Revegetation & Landscaping to deliver the project which includes elements of the first two stages of the broader Bain Park Masterplan.
These stages include upgrades to the High Street entry, a circular pathway with landscaping and lighting and upgrades to the Avondale Street park access.
The space has benefited from the installation of public artworks designed by local artists Stu Doherty and Angela Roberts. The High Street entry works have been wrapped in steel sheets fabricated by local manufacturers, Bennetts Steel.
The centenarian plaques, which were removed for safe keeping during the works, will be reinstalled in the same area.
The delivery of the Bain Park upgrade is the third Public Spaces Legacy project that has been delivered by the NSW Government in the Port Macquarie Hastings Council region, alongside the Town Beach Amphitheatre and Westport Park water playspace.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the former Coalition Government introduced the Public Spaces Legacy Program to create a lasting legacy in our beautiful towns.
"The revitalisation cements Bain Park as a strong community asset for future generations, allowing our young families to enjoy new play spaces and individuals to engage in an interactive and vibrant outdoor area," he said.
Mayor Pinson thanked locals including nearby businesses and community groups for their patience and continuing cooperation throughout the park's challenging construction period.
"We understand that projects of this nature can often present short-term challenges to our community, and I do want to acknowledge the patience and understanding of all those impacted during the park's construction," she said.
