If you build it, they will come.
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That’s the plan for the Clarence Town Progress Association as it transforms the Grey Street wetlands into a family-friendly picnic spot.
The area is being gradually transformed with $80,000 worth of current works about to come to fruition with the eventual goal to make the area an attractive area to entice visitors and local to enjoy the town.
Three years ago the association members took carriage of the site which was formerly used by the pony club.
A concerted effort by the Green Army in recent years to clear the weeds means the river is now visible from the site.
A concrete pathway around the site is almost complete and the foundations have been set for picnic tables and shelters which should be soon installed.
Brian Farmer from the Progress Association said the members were working with Dungog Shire Council on a master plan for the area.
“We’ve got plans in the future for flying foxes for the older children, a seven-metre high climbing frame for the little ones and even more picnic tables so people can enjoy the area,” said Mr Farmer.
“The idea is to encourage mums and their children to come down and the children can cycle around the path and the mums can chat sitting at the tables enjoying a coffee they purchased locally.”
The concrete path is wide enough for two children’s bicycles to pass or two prams to pass.
Stage 1 of the plan was funded by the Progress Association to the tune of $37,000, a Community Building Partnerships grant of $20,000 and a donation of labour and materials worth $27,000 from Daracon.
Mr Farmer said the Progress Association was in the process of applying for more grant funds to continue working on the village green.
“We’ve got space for amenities and would like to install more picnic tables and shelters,” he said.
The plans include a turfed area which could attract cultural activities such as outdoor movies, the existing horse shelter will be retained and upgraded.