Kids big and small give upgraded Hindmarsh Park the seal of approval

One very small gatecrasher managed to upstage the officials at the opening of Kiama’s upgraded Hindmarsh Park this week, but no-one was complaining.

Newly elected Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald welcomed the youngster, who was keen to test out the spongy jumping pad in front of the official party.

“I’m really happy that we’re all enjoying this park already, this is what it’s all about – it’s about fun in the centre of Kiama,” he said.

The $4.5 million project included a major revamp of the play equipment, landscaping, picnic facilities and work to improve access to the much-loved Orry Kelly Stage.

Cr McDonald was joined by Kiama MP Gareth Ward, Shellharbour MP Anna Watson and students from Kiama Public and Ss Peter and Paul primary schools, who contributed to the design of the playground.

“It’s been a while coming, but we’re really proud of this park. It had an unofficial opening about a month ago and it’s already being treasured by kids, visitors and locals alike,” Cr McDonald said.

“For generations of locals and visitors, Hindmarsh Park is as much a part of Kiama as our harbour, blowhole and beaches.

“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.”

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.

Ms Watson said the Get Active funding had enabled a 180-metre shared pathway providing a walking and cycling connection to improve access to Hindmarsh Park’s new playground and picnic facilities from the town centre and waterfront.

“I congratulate Kiama Council on this magnificent, magnificent park, it just looks spectacular,” she said.

“You drive in here and this is the first thing you see and that automatically lifts the community.”

Mr Ward, who helped secure funding for the project while in government, said Hindmarsh Park was well overdue for a renovation.

“As someone who went to Kiama Preschool, I used to come down to this park and play in the rocket ship that Aunty (Glenda Jarrett) mentioned that so many people have fond memories of,” he said.

“But the great thing about this park is that it’s all accessible. It doesn’t matter your age or stage or your ability. This is designed to be for people of all abilities, including those with disabilities.”

Mr Ward acknowledged Vicki Hindmarsh, a descendant of the Kiama pioneer family after whom the park is named.

“This park was actually meant to be a water reserve many years ago and in the 1890s it was determined that this would be the central park in Kiama,” he said.

“Now we know it as Hindmarsh Park. It’s a jewel in the crown of Kiama. We have a beautiful community, not just because of these outstanding public spaces, but most importantly, because of the depth and the warmth of the people who call Kiama home.”

The new playground features 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 and natural elements of a sensory trail, sand and water play.

The park has barbecues, picnic furniture and shelters.

The Orry Kelly Stage has been given a new lease on life with a new canopy, stairs and terraces at the 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.