Shellharbour City Council has completed the first stage of the Harrison Park Master Plan, delivering a new youth‑focused recreation space in the heart of Shellharbour City Centre, which opened on the eve of Youth Week and the school holiday period.
Named in honour of former Mayor Bob Harrison and his wife Ann, Harrison Park is a place of significance for the local community. Council recently acknowledged Mr Harrison's passing and his lasting contribution to Shellharbour, with his legacy continuing through this important civic space.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer at the completed Youth Area in Harrison Park. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The newly completed Youth Area features a multi‑use court with basketball and netball hoops, futsal goals, social seating and hammocks, outdoor table tennis, water bubblers and connecting footpaths. The space provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for young people to connect, play and stay active.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the opening of the Youth Area was a meaningful milestone for the city.
"It is fitting that this space has been opened on the eve of Youth Week and the school holidays, when young people were coming together to celebrate, connect and be active," Mayor Homer said.
"It's been fantastic to see Harrison Park activated by young people and families, and to continue honouring the legacy of Bob Harrison through ongoing investment in this important community space."
"This project reflects our commitment to providing modern, accessible spaces that strengthen indoor‑to‑outdoor connections with the adjacent Blackbutt Youth Centre and support young people to stay active and engaged."
The design of the Youth Area was informed by extensive engagement with young people aged 12-24. Council spoke directly with local youth at events across Shellharbour to better understand what they value in shared outdoor spaces, with feedback highlighting strong support for places to socialise, chill‑out zones, creative seating elements and active recreation opportunities.
The Youth Area is the first major project delivered under the broader Harrison Park Master Plan, which aims to transform the park into a central destination for recreation, leisure and community events.
Future stages planned for Harrison Park in the Shellharbour City Centre include a skate park, new play space, informal stage with terrace seating, upgrades to the memorial area, picnic zones and fitness stations.
KEY MESSAGES:
- The first stage of the Harrison Park Master Plan is complete, with the new Youth Area opening during Youth Week and the school holidays.
- The space includes a multi-use court with basketball and netball hoops and futsal goals, social seating and hammocks, outdoor table tennis, water bubblers, and connecting footpaths.
- This milestone reflects Shellharbour City Council's commitment to creating inclusive, active and youth-friendly destinations.
