Lennox Park has officially reopened following a major overhaul, revealing a fresh and modern look. The Ballina Shire Council has completed an extensive upgrade, transforming the park into a vibrant community space.

The newly upgraded park boasts several significant improvements:

  • Architecturally Designed Bus Stop and Toilet Amenities: These new facilities are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Upgraded Electrical and Stormwater Connections: Enhancements that ensure the park’s infrastructure is up-to-date and efficient.
  • New Boardwalk and Seating: Providing beautiful and comfortable areas for visitors to enjoy.
  • Accessible Pathways and Seating: Ensuring the park is inclusive and accessible to all.
  • Improved Landscaping and New Arbour: Featuring red ironbark (supplied by Off The Rails( for the build of the pergola, adding both durability and a touch of natural beauty.
  • Renovated Shelter Shed: This much-loved structure has been restored to its former glory.

Julian Simpson, owner of Off The Rails, who supplied timber for the project, shared his enthusiasm: “We are proud to have contributed to this wonderful project. Our contribution included 150mm posts and 150mm x 50mm blocking, all dressed QLD Red Ironbark, which helped bring this vision to life! We want to express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a success and creating a beautiful community space. The end result is truly remarkable!”

“The renovation of the shelter shed was a much bigger task than anticipated due to the age and condition of the structure,” explained Ballina Shire Council Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader. “However, we were able to significantly improve its functionality, look, and feel while retaining its original design in line with Council’s resolution from November 2022. The shelter shed renovation ties in with the overall park upgrade and previous stages of the Lennox Village Vision project. Now it is fresh, functional, and ready to be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.”

As part of the shelter shed renovation, the Lennox Head Heritage Committee has installed a plaque inside the shed, acknowledging the Lennox Head Centenary. Additionally, the new amenities block has been completely rebuilt, significantly improving accessibility. It includes a family change room with a shower, bench, baby change table, a unisex accessible toilet, and two ambulant toilets.

Indigenous language artworks have been installed throughout the park, continuing the original ‘storyline’ concept of the broader Lennox Village Vision. “The Aboriginal language words are located on pedestrian footpaths, seating, and as a backdrop to the bus shelter area,” said Cr Cadwallader. These words, based on the broader Bundjalung language, include some specific to the Nyangbal of the Lower Richmond, with variations in spelling and pronunciation from neighboring dialects.

Ricky Cook, a local Nyangbal Elder and linguist, produced the language components. “Language goes with Country; they go hand in hand. Knowing language helps us better understand Country,” said Ricky. “We are tremendously thankful to Ricky for his amazing work on this project and can’t wait for residents and visitors to explore these new features,” added Cr Cadwallader.

The Lennox Park upgrade represents Stage 7 of the Lennox Village Vision project, funded by the Ballina Shire Council, the NSW State Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, and the Federal Government’s Investing in Communities Program.

The final stage of the Lennox Village Vision project will convert the Rural Fire Service site on the corner of Park Lane and Mackney Lane into new public car parking spaces once the RFS facility has been relocated to its new site off Hutley Drive. Further information will be provided to businesses and residents closer to the commencement date of these works. Upon completion of these final works, Ballina Shire Council will host an official opening to celebrate the Lennox Village Vision project.

For more information, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/LennoxVillageVision.

Image credit: Boyds Bay Group
Content credit: Ballina Shire Council