THE new park area at the Narooma visitor information centre is taking shape nicely.
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And that shape just happens to be Montague Island.
Landscape designers have set out the stonewall benches, planting beds and native trees to resemble the iconic island as seen from above.
In the centre of the park will be a soft-fall playground with climbing net.
And there were also four extra-large parking bays suitable for motor homes or vans.
Eurobodalla Shire Council project engineer Russell Burke explained the concept was for the park to be another reason for passing visitors to stop and explore Narooma.
“It will get people to stop to eat, stretch their legs and take a break,” he said.
“It’s all about prompting economic development.”
Deputy mayor Neil Burnside and council general manager Dr Catherine Dale were suitably impressed during an inspection on Friday.
Mr Burke explained the stonework being constructed by masons from Convict Constructions of Moruya was basalt from Murrumbateman, also meant to match Montague Island.
In addition to the 25 metres of stonewalls inside the visitor centre park area, there is also another 25 metres being built along the Princes Highway and another 25 metres planned at Ted Street Park.
These walls also double as broad benches encouraging people to stop and take a load off, while some of them are planting boxes for specially selected native plants.
The planting of native plants, including mock olive tree cuttings taken from the old tree at the original site of the Narooma school, will also set off the park nicely and a row of these trees is planned for the boundary with the adjacent caravan park.
The large earth mound and picnic area has been removed, which is meant to open views out onto NATA Oval and Wagonga Inlet beyond.
Improvements to nearby Ted Street Park are also about to begin and in a nice touch there’s another nod to the town’s heritage.
The two entrances to the park will be marked with signs in the shape of large paddle pop sticks and there will be paddle pop stick benches in honour of the ice cream company founder and former resident.
More works underway
THE streetscape project transforming the Narooma Flat is not the only major works project being undertaken by the Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Work has begun on the new 26-space expansion of the Canty Street parking area behind Vinnies and next to the Catholic Church.
It will require the construction of a retaining wall and a substantial amount of fill and take three to four months to complete.
The church opposed the development because of its proximity to the church’s living quarters with members amazed by the massive earthworks and cost involved.
Council is also upgrading power to NATA Oval with more outlets for vendors at the regular markets and also for events and concerts.
Again this was meant to make the Narooma Flat area more friendly to visitors.
While further up the highway, work has begun on a new set of stairs down from Hillcrest Avenue down to the Narooma bridge.