A new playground and park at Banora Point built as a replacement for one which made way for the new Pacific Motorway over the Tweed River four years ago sparked many childhood memories for older residents of the area this week at its official opening.
The old Wilson Park at East Banora Point was a place where eighty-three-year-old Ross Wilson and other family members enjoyed many recreational moments, and the new-look park gathering was a time for nostalgia.
Four generations of his family have lived in the Tweed since Ross’s grandfather moved to the area in the 1880s. The family established a farm in Terranora some 110 years later, around 1990.
At the recent celebration, Wilson family members were joined by residents’ association members and Tweed Shire ouncil project officers who were involved the project.
‘There’s no doubt about it, the old man would be very pleased with the way the park has turned out,’ Mr Wilson said.
‘The kids’ playground, in particular, has come up really well and a lot of kids are using it,’ he said.
‘This place really was paradise when I was a child and this space is still a lovely spot.’
The site was reinstated as a land bridge over the realigned highway and handed over to council in 2015.
Council consulted the East Banora community to help design the new community space, leading to the decision to retain the community-built tennis court. The new playground was built next to the court.
A few finishing touches, including a new water fountain and signage celebrating the Wilson family’s connection to the site, were completed earlier this month in time for the official reopening on Friday 11 November.
The original dedication plaque to the Wilson Family was reinstated.
Banora and District Residents Association President Cliff Clothier said it was an important recreational space for the area because it was the only large open public space in Banora Point, east of the highway.
‘It’s just great to have a playground here again and to see so many people using it,’ Mr Clothier said.
For more information visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ParksAndGardens