It’s officially open! Lismore’s new water play area at Heritage Park is ready for big and little kids to explore – and get wet.

The new, upgraded park was officially opened today by Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith, who said last weekend’s ‘soft opening’ of the park saw great feedback from the people who came to visit.

See more pictures and read about the park: Waterworks galore! Take a sneak peak at the new Heritage Park

Lismore Councillor Neil Marks, MP Janelle Saffin, Mayor Isaac Smith and Councillor Elly Bird officially open the new water play area at Heritage Park.

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Now, with all the turf laid, the eagerly awaited water park is ready with squirters, misters and a coconut palm soaker to cool down families during the hot summer months in the Lismore basin.

“The train is ready to cart people around the park and the new playground equipment, including a roundabout and trampolines are ready for fun," Mayor Smith said.

What do you want to see in the park?

Mayor Smith said that the upgrade was just stage one of two.

Now, Council wants to hear from the community about what they would like to see in stage two, once grant funding becomes available to Council.

“We are looking forward to doing more now and we want to hear from kids about what they would like to see in the park,” he said.

“Does the community want shade sails over the Tiny Tots area and upgraded amenities – and what else can you imagine?”

Mayor Smith said there are QR codes on signs on the park that people can scan and give their feedback to Council’s website, letting Council know their ideas.

Brian the train driver.

Train driver

Brian the train driver was on hand at the opening to talk about the new improved park train.

“I have installed a new carriage in-between the existing two train carriages, so as to adhere to social distancing for Covid,” Brian said.

“Ans as you walk in there will be a QR code for you to scan and sign in – we’ve made a few changes.”

The operating times for the train are Thursdays 10am to 2pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 4pm.

Water concerns?

Brian also the water play area had a timer and operating hours are currently set to 9am to 6pm – but can operate longer in the hotter summer months.

For those concerned about the usage of water, Brian said it while the water play area had eight different release cycles, it doesn’t actually release water all the time.

“The water switches off at the end of a cycle and people wanting more water need to press the start button to begin the cycle again,” he said.

The Heritage Park upgrade was funded through a $250,000 grant from the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund and $284,000 from Council raised via pocket park sales and flood insurance money.

“You can visit http://www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au to tell Council what else you would like at Heritage Park.