The new-look Knox Park entry plaza in Murwillumbah has earned Tweed Shire Council New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Park of the Year.
The award was presented by Parks and Leisure Australia at the recent state conference in Coffs Harbour, and the park will now represent NSW/ACT for the national prize in September.
It’s the third time in just the past six years the Tweed has collected the award for the state’s best park.
The $1.5 million renovation to the entry plaza, on the corner of Wollumbin and Brisbane streets in Murwillumbah, was opened to the public in 2020 with a range of improvements.
Landscape Architect Ian Bentley said the design of the park, including the new park entry, echoed the Art Deco style prevalent in Murwillumbah’s architecture.
“The red brick work on the retaining walls of the garden beds also mirrors surrounding buildings such as the CWA Hall and historic Regent Cinema, which helps to unite the park and the rest of the town.”
A new central hub has been created for people to
gather, sit and watch the world go by or try a game of chess with boards inset onto fixed tables.”
As part of Tweed Shire Council’s Cool Towns urban tree canopy program – to increase natural shade in the Shire – native fig trees were replanted along a main avenue in the park.
Mayor, Chris Cherry, said, “Our vision for the Knox Park masterplan was to enhance amenity, encourage greater community use and for residents to take ownership and be really proud of the park, hopefully discouraging anti-social behaviour.
“The award means Knox Park has been recognised as Park of the Year twice! This shows what an incredible asset we have in the heart of Murwillumbah for those that live and visit here.”
The makeover is part of a wider upgrade project of Murwillumbah’s main park, funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, the state government’s Restart NSW fund and
Tweed Shire Council.
