Misting device makes cool park

Mayor Joanna Gash (right) and Shelley Hancock MP (left) officially turning on the misting device in Jelly Bean Park

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Joanna Gash during a special beach barbecue in the central business district of Nowra, has officially opened stage II of Jelly Bean Park.

Stage II of the project has completed the revitalization of the area that began with the construction of paving and landscaping, fencing and furniture.

The new urban park features the addition of an innovative misting device designed to cool down local residents in the already popular meeting hub.

The outdoor celebration and Stage II launch featured music from local artist, Paul Greene as well as the installation of colourful beach seating and a free community barbecue.

Mayor, Joanna Gash was joined by Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock in opening the second stage of works.

An $80,000 funding grant was allocated for the project through the State Government’s Building Resistance to Climate Change program. The grants scheme is funded by the Office of Environment and Heritage and the New South Wales (NSW) Environmental Trust and administered by Local Government NSW.

Councillor Gash said that the opening of Stage II of Jelly Bean Park completed the transformation of this formerly disused area into one of the most popular, colourful and vibrant meeting places in the city.

“The new sculpturally designed misting device has already proven a huge hit with local residents and is sure to provide relief from the heat over the coming months.

“The device is one of only a handful of these structures in the country, and it is hoped that it will inspire other urban centres to look for innovative solutions to help their community cope with extreme heat.

“The Stage II works have enhanced what was already a very popular and colourful meeting space.