Fingal play space opened

By Jo Kennett

A NEW inclusive play space was officially opened at Fingal Head on Wednesday, February 23, designed with input from the local community and funding from Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Government.

Located on the foreshore, near Fingal Rovers Surf Club, the playground includes nature play features such as timber hopping logs, balance beams, a timber climbing net, a water pump, swings and slides, an accessible carousel, a yarning circle, additional trees, and accessible picnic facilities.

Mayor Chris Cherry, NSW Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts and Tweed MP Geoff Provest were joined by local Elders and school students, and Uncle Franc Krasner opened proceedings with the Welcome to Country.

Cr Cherry said the park was a “passion project, creating something so beautiful” with input from the community.

“The upgrade has revitalised the park by providing a place for community members of all ages to gather, connect and enjoy the location and facilities,” Cr Cherry said.

“The play space is designed to reflect Fingal Head’s rich history and character through art, play and interpretive signage, and has a natural look which blends in with the surrounds.

“The site was the subject of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA), which improved the understanding, identification, and assessment of Aboriginal cultural heritage values within the site and Fingal Head area.

“It is proof that when we work together with the community, we achieve great things, with more than 100 residents and visitors providing their feedback on the concept plan. While the process was lengthy, it was worth the wait.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said we learnt the importance of open space and coming together during the pandemic.

“It’s about coming together as a community,” he said, thanking Council for what he called “a magnificent job”.

Mr Provest described Fingal Head as a “very special place with a lot of great people” and paid tribute to Fingal Head Public School children whose work decorates the colourful art poles.

Uncle Des Williams described what has been done with the park as “tremendous” and said he was sure the local kids would enjoy it.

Council received a $107,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play grant program with Council contributing an additional $220,000 to complete the project.