Better Brelsford Park is open for fun

A place so peaceful you could almost hear a pin drop over the occasional clatter of a skateboard, a toddler’s excited squeal, and the frothing of a fresh coffee – better Brelsford Park was officially opened to the community this morning. 

The near $5 million upgrade has delivered a leafy sanctuary in the heart of Coffs Harbour. 

“All of the great cities of the world have a signature CBD open green space,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said. 

“The project has delivered two live performance amphitheatres, a new public amenities block, picnic settings and shelters, lighting and a large signature entranceway. 

“The enhancements include more than one kilometre of wide concrete pathways making it easy to move around this fantastic inner-city oasis. 

“To offset the built environment, statement trees have been retained and nearly 100 new ones have been planted along with more than 3000 shrubs and groundcovers.” 

The Brelsford Park project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, and the City of Coffs Harbour.  

Flanked by the people magnets of a skatepark and a children’s playground, Mayor Williams said Brelsford 2.0 would be a place for families to play, for picnics, for live music, for walkers and joggers, and for youngsters to learn to ride a bike. 

“It’s a restful space for downtown workers to enjoy lunch, and for people to browse a good book in the shade or catch-up on their social feed.” she said. 

“Welcome to Better Brelsford – where memories are made. It’s truly now a park fit for the times and one which will meet the needs of our growing community.” 

“Brelsford Park has always been something of a hub for the community in its various guises across the years – albeit as a largely open space, underdeveloped site,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said. 

“This project has taken the precinct next level – with the enhancements improving both the aesthetics and the utility of the area for the community.” 

Local State and Federal MPs, Gurmesh Singh and Pat Conaghan, also spoke at the opening and were full of praise for a project led by the City of Coffs Harbour and the main contractor, the Van Mal Group. 

Speaking on behalf of the NSW Government, Coffs Harbour MP Mr Singh said Brelsford Park held special significance for the local community. 

“I commend City of Coffs Harbour on this impressive upgrade which has created a lively and inclusive place where community wellbeing, culture and leisure come alive,” he said. 

As the Federal Government representative, Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said the tranquility of the park on the doorstep of the central commercial centre struck a chord. 

“It’s such a beautiful place to come. It’s taxpayers’ money being spent responsibly.” 

Photo: Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Brelsford Park upgrade.