“Too deadly!” Powerful words used by Sherrie Nye to describe the new Mogo Recreation Park, officially opened today.
Representing Mogo Lands Council, Sherrie said she’s over the moon. “It’s so important for kids to have outdoor play and learning space.”
For too long the village had seen the local kids fighting over two lone swings, but no more.
The Mogo Recreation Park is now a space for the whole community, and Eurobodalla Council has worked closely with the town’s businesses, school and Local Area Land Council to develop a facility that functions to bring residents together and give visitors a place to stop, rest and play.
New playground equipment includes a challenging climbing frame, fun slide, spinning carousels and swings. Other amenities include a new barbecue and covered picnic table.
All were well used at the opening today, attended by children from Mogo Aboriginal Pre-School and the primary school.
In recognition of Mogo’s strong Aboriginal heritage and culture, the reserve includes a yarning circle and a mural by local artists Bronwen Smith and Gavin Chatfield. Bronwen said the mural, painted on the amenities building, was inspired by her cousin, Kizzy.
“Kizzy said I should do family circles. It’s like a big family journey, coming through Mogo and coming together. It’s symbolic of childhood and of now, and it represents all of us,” she said.
Mogo local Amiirah, who turned seven yesterday, cut the ribbon to open the new park with help from Auntie Gloria and Mayor Liz Innes. It followed a smoking ceremony performed by Mogo’s Adam Nye.
Council’s director of community services and recreation Kathy Arthur said for her, the standout feature of the project was the real collaboration that happened between the Mogo community and Council.
“We’ve got a brilliant result that meets community needs and celebrates the whole community and our local Aboriginal culture.”
Above: Mayor Liz Innes with Mogo’s Adam Nye, who conducted a smoking ceremony at the opening of Mogo recreation park, helped out by Amiirah, aged seven.
Above: Mogo artist Bronwen Smith with her cousin Kizzy Nye, who inspired Bronwen’s family-themed mural on the Mogo recreation park amenities building.
