Many of the Lismore LGA’s assets were damaged in last year’s floods, and the process of rebuilding is creating an opportunity to do things differently.
Lismore City Council is calling for public submissions on the draft Master Plan for the future upgrade of Wade Park in East Lismore which was damaged by the February 2022 natural disaster.
Phased upgrades
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the draft Master Plan establishes a framework of phased upgrades to the 5.5-hectare site that has community inclusion and climate resilience at its heart. ‘Wade Park is one of the most popular parks in our Local Government Area and is well-used by families,’ said Cr Krieg. ‘Unfortunately, it sustained damage in 2022.
‘The park was developed following extensive consultation with park users and the wider community. I am looking forward to hearing what people think of the result.’
The draft Master Plan includes an inclusive fenced play space with a bus/transport theme suitable for all ages and abilities, new toilets/amenities, accessible BBQs, shelters, seating areas, and an upgrade to the existing pathways to improve shared cycling and walking experience.
New multi-purpose sports courts
It also features new multi-purpose sports courts with seating and drinking fountains, a designated fenced dog park for small and large dogs with dog agility equipment, drinking stations and seating, formalised car parking at the north side of the park to increase car parking capacity and remove the car parking within the centre of the park, and improved drainage and flood resilient designs.
Mayor Krieg said the plan identifies individual stages for the park upgrades to be completed when grant funding becomes available.
The Wade Park Masterplan is the result of a legacy project instigated by Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT (PLA ACT/NSW) following its annual conference held in Lismore in 2022. It is a pro-bono (cost-free) initiative with many member organisations and consultants donating their time and expertise to develop the plan.
Mayor Krieg said that Lismore City Council is very grateful for the care, time, and dedication each project team member has contributed to the Wade Park Masterplan.
Submissions are now open on Council’s Your Say website. Submissions close on Friday, 20 October 2023.
