The generosity of former Murwillumbah resident, the late Ted Navin, and a new community hub in the town which he helped make a reality were both celebrated recently.
The official opening of the Knox Park adventure playground on 31 October was more a celebration, with families picnicking and joining Tweed Shire Council, business and Lions Club delegates to launch the new facility and recognise the contribution of Mr Navin, a former Banana Growers Federation district council secretary.
A crowd of children swung, slid and climbed on the playground equipment as the official gathering was told how the project benefited from $250,000 bequeathed by Mr Navin to help Murwillumbah youth.
Lions Club of Murwillumbah president Richard Quan said Mr Navin had wanted to help young people in the town and, line with his wishes, the Lions Club donated the $250,000 bequest toward the Knox Park Youth Precinct, which includes the adventure playground and a new skate park under construction.
Mr Navin was a close friend of former Lions club president Ronnie Mapp and was aware the club had an interest in helping the community’s young people.
‘I am very sure Ted and his wife Judy would be very happy looking down on us today to see the Lions and council have worked together to present this wonderful playground for the youngsters and their parents,’ Mr Quan said.
‘To the credit of the council designers and builders, I believe this playground is already getting rave reviews outside of Murwillumbah and will give much pleasure to a multitude of people in the future.’
Tweed mayor Katie Milne, said it was wonderful to have ‘this fabulous adventure playground’ nestled among the existing trees of the park’s Peace Walk.
‘The sound of happy, laughing children is a perfect symbol of peace,’ Cr Milne told the ceremony.
‘The council staff have done a wonderful job on this project and really excelled themselves.’
Council teamed with community development consultants, Thrive Towns, to stage a community picnic as part of the official opening.
The $1.2 million Youth Precinct will also include new shelters, barbecue facilities and pathways, and was also funded by a $500,000 Regional Development Australia grant from the federal government and $500,000 from council.
For more information about the playground and Knox Park upgrade, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/KnoxParkUpgrade
