Progress updates | Waterlily Playscape

Stronger Country Community grant upgrade schedule

Aug 1, 2018 | Progress updates

Byron Shire Council with the support of Waterlily Community Playscape, received state funding to implement Stage 3 plans:

Car park upgrade – completion due December 2018
Walk and cycle pathway – completion due December 2018
Shade Sail – completion due December 2018
Tree house – begin March, due by June 2019
Flying fox – begin March, due by June 2019

Final design plans for these items are not yet available.

See Byron Shire Council website

Waterlily Park Stage 3 Community Consultations

During March 2018, Waterlily Playscape committee prepared an online and paper survey relating to Waterlily Park, its facilities and future plans. 225 people completed the survey.
Waterlily Playscape Community Survey March 2018 PDF – web page

During May 2018, Byron Shire council staff prepared an online survey promoted through social media and through 1,600 flyers to residences in Ocean Shores. 49 surveys were completed.
Byron Shire Council May 2018 community consultation results PDF

Ben Franklin MLC, announced a successful NSW Government grant (Stronger Country Communities) of $418,608 that Byron Shire Council applied for with Waterlily Playscape Committee at Waterlily Park on a sunny Sunday, 18 March 2018, at the celebration of the Playscape’s progress and community spirit.

NSW novelty cheque

Ben Franklin MLC, announced a successful NSW Government grant (Stronger Country Communities) of $418,608 that Byron Shire Council applied for with Waterlily Playscape Committee.

Happy Waterlily Playscape team with novelty cheque

Cheers to many future community celebrations in the Waterlily park!

New benches and picnic tables

Jun 30, 2018 | Progress updates

On 14 June further seating was installed in Waterlily Park – providing the community with much needed facilities to help them relax and enjoy this beautiful, tranquil natural space.

The contractor installed two of the four picnic tables beside the lake, well away from the children’s playground. This was done in order to accommodate those families who bring their precious four- legged companions with them to the park.

As well, five matching hardwood bench-seats were installed under some of the established shade trees in the Park. Two of these bench-seats were specifically requested by a group of seniors who attend Thai Chi classes in the Park.

Six new shade trees have been planted around the Playscape

Jun 6, 2018 | Progress updates

All 6 trees were planted in great soil, had fertiliser and gypsum added, were staked and tied and then mulched with bark chips. Of course, the rain over the last two days has also been very beneficial.

Melaleuca leucadendra Broad leaf
2 x Waterhousia floribunda
Mellicope elleryana
2 x Syzygium resilience

We are indeed grateful to the NSW State Government for providing the required funding.

We thank Joy from Gondwana Nursery for supplying and caring for these beautiful advanced trees for the last 2 months. The trees are absolutely fantastic.

Our thanks to Tom Naulty who did a great job as Co-ordinator for the Waterlily Playscape Committee and to Tina Petroff who was on hand and helping at every step of the way.

Thank you also to Council’s Malcolm Robertson for working with the Playscape Committee to position, deliver and plant the trees.

Special thanks goes to Byron Council’s Michael Mathews for ensuring all 6 trees were delivered and planted at the one time and of course to Council’s staff – Tom, Project Manager & Safety Officer, Michael Halpin, Excavator Operator, Ayla, Horticulturist, and of course Ian for providing all of the required ‘muscle’. They did an awesome job, completing it all in one day!

$423K raised for Waterlily Park

Mar 29, 2018 | Progress updates

Many locals gathered at Waterlily Park on a finally sunny Sunday, 18 March to celebrate project progress and community spirit.

Ocean Shores Public School students ran many activities on the day, including cake, face painting and crazy hair stalls. These stalls raised $335 on the day! Games and bubbles took place at the shady area of the lake and a successful treasure hunt attracted kids and adults alike.

Other activities included – Brunswick Heads Firies and their big truck, Performances by Ocean Shores Public School Choir and Bollywood Sisters, Dances by Omri and Amir, Music by Jaz from North Coast Events, and Great food by Gunter’s Flammkuchen.

Speeches part consisted of many surprises. Tom Naulty, a local and committee member, shared his enthusiasm to join the committee. Tamara Smith MP Ballina congratulated the community for completing stage 2 of the project, the picnic area, $50K funded by Community Building Partnership scheme. Ben Franklin MLC, announced a successful NSW Government grant (Stronger Country Communities) of $418,608 that Byron Shire Council applied for with Waterlily Playscape Committee. Heather Cambridge from ALR Committee announced $4K funds raised from Bruns Housie‘s activity over summer holidays. Ocean Shores Public School Captains, Evie and Kai gave a glimpse to how important Waterlily Park is for Ocean Shores kids. Councillor Alan Hunter congratulated the community and Mayor Simon Richardson for the great progress and achievements.

Thank you Thank you Thank you
to so many people and organisations involved in running the day and generally supporting Waterlily Playscape.

Thank you Byron Shire Council, mayor and especially the Open Space team, Ocean Shores Public School, school Choir and amazing Sonia Woods, Brunswick Heads Firefighters, ALR, Jaz from North Coast Events, Gunter from Flammkuchen, Zerina Millard and the Bollywood Sisters, Omri & Amir.

Thank you Waterlily Playscape committee members:
Tom, Tina, Jason, Faz, Helen and Orit. You Rock!

Waterlily Community Celebration – Sunday 18th March 2018

Feb 12, 2018 | Gathering, Progress updates

Join with community in celebrating

New picnic equipment and ongoing progress at Waterlily Playscape in a community event at Waterlily Park, 1 Yamble Dr. Ocean Shores, Sunday 18th March 2018, 3-6pm.

Exciting activities are planned at the event supported by Ocean Shores Public School Students, including performances, games, stalls, music and food.

Help us spread the word by marking yourself ‘going’ on the Facebook event page, and invite & share with locals.

What’s in Stage 2?

Waterlily Park has just been upgraded with new picnic equipment including: a shelter, BBQ, Picnic tables and a pathway from parking to picnic area. All new facilities are wheelchair accessible and align with Playscape plans of inclusive community recreation area.

The Waterlily Playscape Committee received $50K funding from a successful grant to Community Building Partnership 2016 project by NSW State and announced by Tamara Smith, MP for Ballina.

To realise this stage, quite a few locals came together in a joint effort. Big thank you to Tina Petroff and Yoram (Tiny) Rotstein, stage 2 project managers, Stan Petroff, Fabricio Bettega, Jason Lasky, David Alexander, Orit and Omri Ben-Harush, Helen Graveson and Tom Naulty. We couldn’t have done this without you! Thank you also to our local contractors and Council’s Open Spaces staff.

Stage 2 remaining funds are used to plant established trees and benches at the park soon.

Survey Results - Community Consultation 2020

Look at this Charming Mural!

The committee co-funded a vivid mural with the Ocean Shores Tennis Club, following the nature theme of Waterlily Park. It was painted on the external Tennis clubhouse walls by Daniel Hend, a young local artist, creating another lovely feature onsite.

Meet Christobel the Rock Dragon

Jordan Smith is the lucky local who named Waterlily Rock Dragon – Christobel, following a pledge by Ocean Shores Tidy Town’s who funded and installed the dragon in the park.

Help us keep the park safe

Alongside new interest in the park, locals notice more bad behaviour onsite.
The Waterlily Playscape committee is calling for a community action, encouraging locals to report to the police any observed inappropriate behaviour while at Waterlily Park, at 131444 or in emergency 000.

Welcome Tom Naulty – A new committee member

Nov 23, 2017 | Meeting, Progress updates

Recently I was asked to come along and join the Waterlilly Playscape Committee. I was keen to come along and lend a hand building an even better playscape for my two children. Considering how close and how frequently my family benefits from this fantastic facility, its easy to give up a little time.

My name is Tom, I have an 8 year old child and a 3 year old, the eldest goes to Ocean Shores Public School, which happens to be where I work (as a teachers aid),and also happens to be the best public school in the world IMHO.

I like fishing and in the last three years have been having a ball with the guys from Brunswick Heads Surf Lifesaving Club.

I’m looking foward to having a chat with you at Waterlilly Park!

Tom Naulty

There is one more vacancy for a Vice President position.
We encourage locals to apply to join the committee.