Mayor Chris Homer officially opening Harrison Park Youth Space. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
The new Harrison Park Youth Space was officially opened on Wednesday (15 April), reinvigorating a “hidden gem” in the Shellharbour CBD just a day after the community farewelled the man it honours.
Mayor Chris Homer said the project was a key step in bringing the community back to an area that has long been overlooked, describing it as “a little Central Park right in Shellharbour”.
“Harrison Park is a little bit tucked away, so we’re really trying to activate it today,” Cr Homer said.
“It’s timely as well, because of the passing of Bob Harrison, a longtime mayor, and a bit of a legend in public service and local government in Shellharbour.
“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.”
The park was named in honour of Mr Harrison and his wife Ann in 2003, with council acknowledging his passing at age 91 and lasting contribution to Shellharbour.
Born Robert Joseph Wilson Harrison, he was elected to council in 1971 and remained on council until 1991, serving as mayor from 1974-75 and 1977-91.
He also served as Kiama’s state MP from 1986 to 1999, and received Order of Australia honours in 2005.
The park now features a multi-use sports half court with basketball and netball hoops, plus futsal goals, outdoor table tennis, an amenities block, water station, social seating and hammocks, water bubblers, accessible ramps, connecting pathways and lighting.
“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,” Cr Homer said.
He said this was stage one in a larger masterplan for the area, which would include a skate park, a bird watching platform, new play space, informal stage with terrace seating, upgrades to the memorial area, picnic zones and fitness stations.
“It’ll be quite the little hub,” he said.
“We really want to be trying to get a bespoke CBD feel in the Shellharbour area.
“I’m very pleased to be working on it, especially since it’s going to honour Bob.”
Cr Homer said he hoped the Harrison family was pleased with what was created.
“It’s been untouched for quite some time,” he said.
“The more I come to Harrison Park, the more I feel like, wow, this place really needs to be activated because it’s stunning. It’s a phenomenal natural area.
“These are good,” he said, pointing to the sports equipment, “but it’s hard to recreate an environment like that.”
He pointed to how the equipment overlooked a tranquil pond and its surrounding trees, admitting not all Shellharbour parks were based directly within a stunning natural environment.
“I want people to go down there and have that sense of the natural environment,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a hidden gem, to be honest.
“I’ve been coming here recently and thinking, why don’t I come down here more often and sit down there and ‘zen out’?
“You’ve got your activity, but it’s hard to get that zen in modern life.”
The design was informed by extensive engagement with young people aged 12–24, which highlighted strong support for places to socialise, chill‐out zones, creative seating elements and active recreation opportunities.
During the opening, young people participating in a school holiday challenge using the park facilities, said it was everything they were looking for.
“I think it’s amazing they’ve got ping-pong tables, because I like ping-pong, and then netball, basketball and futsal together. I think that’s amazing,” Holly Ivanoska, aged 12, said.
“I like coming to parks and this one is close to home and it makes coming to the youth centre more exciting,” Zali, 14, said.
“I like the new park because there’s hammocks and they’re right in the sun, so you can just sit and relax,” Foley, 10, said.
The timeline for the next stage of the project is dependent on state and federal funding.
Harrison Park Youth Space is located on the corner of Minga and Cygnet avenues, Shellharbour City Centre.
