Riverbank Park is set to make its long-awaited return to Yass, with the reopening commencing on the 1st of July, at 10 am with live music, food vans and other activities. This Yass Valley Times article has included Council’s expected safety measures, road closures & amenities information.
Riverbank Park will see a newly built playground that Yass Valley Council secured approximately $2 Million in grant funding in 2021 under the NSW Public Space Legacy Program. The adventure playground replaces the former play equipment which had come to the end of its safe asset life according to the council and also received damage during the floods of 2022. Yass Mayor Allan McGrath spoke to the Yass Valley Times about the reopening, as well as the park and playground itself, and what this means to residents and families especially, of Yass.
On the new playground, and the excitement around it, Mr McGrath said, “There’s a variety of equipment, and I think the fact that it’s all fresh and new and large with a lot of innovation amongst it, the overall concept is really exciting, it’s really the cream of parks”, said Allan, noting the excitement not just among children but adults and other members of the community.”
“Anything new is exciting for kids, I actually think there’s a lot of adults who are excited for it”, said Allan.
“It’s a lovely spot, all year round. It appeals to people right across the year. We’re very lucky to have the river and the path and it’s very well maintained, it’s something we can be proud of, and this is going to be a great addition too”, said Allan.
Deputy Mayor Jasmin Jones also commented on the excitement around the park, and offered specific playground additions that will appeal to children, saying;
“I’m most looking forward to seeing the Yass Valley Kids enjoy those elements of the playground that will encourage them to make friends and at the same time, build their teamwork abilities such as getting the hamster wheel to run as fast as possible. Having seen children enjoy the Cowra adventure playground wheel, I’m anticipating that this element of the playground will be a huge hit”
With young children of my own and grandchildren as well, I know how valuable our parks and playgrounds are for our families to connect, particularly new parents to the area. This park will cater for older and younger children together & the new amenities block finally makes it very family friendly.”
The day also coincides with the Great Rotary Duck Race
300 ducks will be launched off the Hume Bridge into the Yass River at the Official Opening of Riverbank Park. The first three ducks to shore will be the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners! There will be 9 lucky winners on the day! With a total prize pool of AUD1,050. Ducks have been selling in front of Woolworths Yass at $5 a duck.
Car Park & Road Closures: Along with the opening of the new adventure playground, the duck race, food vans and live music, and additional activities, Yass Valley Council is anticipating that the area is going to be very busy in the morning. As a result, the road looping around underneath the bridge and the small Car Park adjacent to the playspace will be closed to ensure the safety of the community. Emergency vehicles are excepted during this time. The old toilet block that was demolished as part of the project, has been replaced and will be operational on the day.
Regarding the floods of 2022, concerns regarding the structural integrity of the new playground, and whether the construction can withstand another flooding or if there are backup plans in place, Allan confidently assured that the new playground is designed with these concerns in mind.
“I’ve been assured that it’s been appropriately designed to withstand flooding and can be adapted and quickly restored if there’s any damage done. We have to accept that sort of advice and I accept it”, said Allan.
Allan gave his perspective on how the 2022 floods caused such damage, and how the design of the park minimises potential damage, saying;
“The ridge provides some protection against the force of flooding so it’s basically just the backwaters that cause the damage”, said Allan, before concluding that regarding future risks;
“There’s always a risk with riverbanks, most people accept a degree of risk just for the pleasure of being close to the river”, said Allan.
On his own interest in the park, and broader interest in the community, Allan reflects on his own time as a family man, and pulse from experience, telling;
“I’m interested in the welfare of children, educating them, keeping them busy, I had a young family myself when I first moved to Yass over twenty years ago, we used to frequent the parks on a daily basis after school, and when you do that sort of thing you recognise the shortcomings but also the things that appeal to kids.”
On future playground and park additions, Allan notes that a new playground and park has been promised for Murrumbatemen, but confirms that so far precise location and timeline have not been established and are still in development.
Griffin Palen
