To be known as Goorimahbah - Place of Stories Inclusive Park and Playspace, the extensive upgrade to existing facilities at the boat harbour will ensure all children can play, regardless of age or ability.
The project aims to make Jack Evans Boat Harbour a vibrant focal point for community activity in Tweed Heads, recognising the area as an accessible destination for residents and visitors.
The safe and unique design of the playspace will enable children with disabilities, their families and/or carers to meet, play and connect.
The new inclusive playspace will include:
- all abilities play equipment to meet the needs of children aged 2-12 years and youth
- local Indigenous art and stories
- accessible surfacing
- new seating and picnic areas
- additional shade trees and built shade, and
- natural and sensory play elements.
The project team has been working in partnership with Council's Equal Access Advisory Committee, Aboriginal Advisory Committee and Youth Council to develop the draft concept plan for the park.
Council is also working alongside Variety - the Children's Charity which provided a design grant of $30,000 to fund the draft concept plan and worked with the community to have their say.
Council has now been successful in receiving an additional $300,000 from the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play Grant Program to fund the cost of construction. This is in addition to a funding grant of $300,000 from the NSW Government's Infrastructure Grant - Clubgrants Category 3 Fund.
With additional funding from Council, the total cost of the project is estimated to be $930,000.
Chairperson of the Equal Access Advisory Committee, Karen Sculley, welcomed the much-needed playspace for people with a disability.
"This is fantastic news, it's been great for committee members to be involved in the design of Goorimahbah - Place of Stories," Ms Sculley said.
"We've been working with Council on this project to make sure the community, and people with disabilities especially, have their say on the draft design so it is accessible and inclusive for all."
Mayor of Tweed Cr Chris Cherry said that Council is working on a number of projects with the State Government to construct more inclusive playspaces for the Tweed community.
"Over the next 18 months, Council will build new inclusive playspaces at Tweed Heads West, Tweed Heads, Banora Point and Fingal Head.
"Goorimahbah - Place of Stories will become the Tweed's premier regional inclusive park and playspace and will bring benefits to the community, and attract visitors from across the region," she said.
The project was identified as a high priority in Council's Open Space Strategy 2019-2029 and in the Jack Evans Boat Harbour Plan of Management.
The park concept plan will be unveiled to the community mid-2021 to allow the public to comment on the proposed design features and refurbishment. Construction is due to begin in early 2022.
Earlier this year, Council was also successful in securing a grant for $138,790 as part of the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvements Fund to replace sections of boardwalk and cycleway with low maintenance composite materials and paving at Jack Evans Boat Harbour. The grant will also fund design changes to increase accessibility and provide more seating and shade areas.
