New amenities, kiosk, change room facilities, progressive uni-sex shared bathrooms, a standalone kiosk and an accessible public toilet are all part of the $1.2 million upgrade to Stuart Park, Hinton.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer officially opened the facility today, alongside representatives from the local sporting clubs, emergency services and residents.

The opening featured a Welcome to Country by Uncle John Ridgeway, a tasty BBQ cooked by the Hinton Hornets and a special cake cutting ceremony, followed by a footy clinic run by the West Tigers.

“This facility is a really important addition for the people of Hinton who use Stuart Park on a regular basis,” Mr Palmer said.

“The park is now equipped to host more events and visitors to the hinterland – like what we’ve done here today to officially open the site. The space is a benefit to both the wider community and local businesses,” he added.

As part of this project, Council also used the funding from PS2020 projects fund to upgrade the heritage listed grandstand.

“With remaining funds, we've given the grandstand a much needed upgrade – including a new roof, new gutters, drainage and fresh coat of paint,” Mayor Palmer said.

“The tank at the entrance of Stuart Park has also been treated to a makeover, with local artist Jenny McCracken painting a spectacular mural of the Royal Spoonbill – a bird often seen as you enter the park.

Mayor Palmer said it was great to see representatives from the emergency services here today to celebrate the opening of this facility.

“During the floods, this space proved invaluable, with our local emergency services providing sandbags and sand for those that needed it. We also kept the new amenities open for the community to use as needed during this time,” he added.

Port Stephens Council’s Capital Works Section Manager Phil Miles says the works were designed by Council’s own structures and landscaping team.

“The planning and construction of these facilities saw a number of important parties working together to honour the heritage and idyllic environment of Stuart Park,” Mr Miles said.

“These brand new amenities and kiosk were designed to complement the natural, quaint and historic setting offered by the site, but also be modern and robust enough to withstand the frequent use of sporting and community groups,” Mr Miles added.

Mayor Ryan Palmer acknowledged that Hinton is full of beautiful and historic local characteristics.

“We’re excited to be in the initial stages of drafting the ‘Hinterland’ place plan – making sure we identify the Hinton community’s values, priorities and unique local character.

“This week is also Placemaking Action Week, which is celebrated globally and is a chance for us to focus on continuing to work in partnership to improve the liveability and wellbeing of those that live, work and visit Port Stephens,” he added.

For more information about place plans and to be involved in the development of the Hinterland Place Plan, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/place-plans