Catering for all age groups this area will focus on nature, fitness, play and social gathering areas to bring the community together connecting young, old and those in between.

The grant has been awarded under the NSW Department of Family and Community Services - Social Housing Community Improvement Fund to renew this valuable space.

Located next to the Historic Cemetery, the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park Arboretum will become a hub of activity through the creation of an intergenerational community play space including a scooter circuit, barbecue shelter with hot water, water bubbler, picnic tables, park benches and new wayfinding and interpretive signage.

Port Macquarie-Hastings director, Tricia Bulic said one of the great challenges for communities is creating successful play spaces that can cater for children through to grandparents.

“The park upgrade will incorporate improvements to the space to replace tired and old furniture with robust picnic tables and an accessible footpath from amenities to social barbecue gathering areas and play structures,” Ms Bulic said.

“Council has contributed approximately $100,000 in 2016/17 for improvement of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park Arboretum and will work closely with Family and Community Services and Hastings Homeless Network to develop the community engagement plan for the upgrade working with both users of the space and the wider community.

“A detailed design concept is under development and community groups will have the opportunity to help assist in the design and take part in working bees to revitalise the area.”