Coffs Harbour’s Brelsford Park reopened after near-$5 million upgrade

Coffs Harbour has opened an impressive new public space which has even drawn comparisons with New York’s famed Central Park. Find out more about the regional hub’s new playground.

Federal Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, Coffs Mayor Nikki Williams and state Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh at the refreshed Brelsford Park.

A stunning upgrade means Coffs Harbour has now got its own public space akin to New York City’s massive Central Park right in the heart of town — Brelsford Park.

“It’s about time we had almost like a New York Central Park for Coffs Harbour,” Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said.

The park has received close to $5 million of upgrades thanks to the Federal and state government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program, and the City of Coffs Harbour council.

Enhancements include two amphitheatres, picnic settings and shelters as well as more than a kilometre of wide concrete pathways, perfect for children learning how to ride a bike.

Uncle Richard Widders at the opening.

Uncle Richard Widders held a Welcome to Country on behalf of Garlambirla Guuyu-girrwaa Aboriginal Elders at the park’s official opening on Monday.

He said the central site remained a great meeting place now, as it was for his ancestors.

Mr Widders described how Gumbaynggirr people met at the location to figure out “where to shop” – as in decide where they would gather food and hunt.

Coffs Mayor Nikki Williams at the park’s opening.

Local identities and politicians who opened the park said reading books and lunchtime strolls at Brelsford Park would no doubt be popular activities.

“I can see people coming down here to enjoy the birds and just read a book,” Federal politician Mr Conaghan said.

Recently-elected City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said the park was no longer just a key spot for skateboarders.

“People can bring their kids and their families here for half a day, or the morning, or an afternoon and they’ve got the playground, the skate park and now we’ve got this beautiful green space as well,” she said.

“My office is only a couple of hundred metres from here and I like to go for walks at lunchtime, and clear the head – and this is a fantastic place to do it.”

State Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said he was also keen for lunchtime walks in the park, as well as enjoying shade from trees retained in the upgrade.

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]

Originally published as Coffs Harbour’s Brelsford Park reopened after near-$5 million upgrade