Open to public: revitalised Dave Taylor Park

November 8, 2024

This article was first published by Griffith City Council on 31st Oct 2024  Click here to view the full article.

Revitalised Dave Taylor Park Opens To The Griffith Community

Today marks the opening of the Griffin Green Youth and Community Park, an ambitious redevelopment of the Dave Taylor Park, realised through a partnership between Griffith City Council and Argyle Housing. Made possible by $1.48 million in funding from the NSW Government’s ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program, this project represents a remarkable transformation of 4,798m² of vacant land into an inclusive haven for the community, emphasising youth connectivity, opportunity, and engagement.

The park offers an enriched landscape designed to foster connection and recreation among community members. Key features include a green common, children’s playground, gym amenities, and a yarning circle celebrating traditional storytelling. The park is home to vibrant gardens, established in collaboration with the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s Community Greening program.

A standout addition to the park is a unique basketball court, co-developed with the Griffith Aboriginal Land Council and adorned with culturally significant art by local Aboriginal artist Karissa Undy. The court symbolises community involvement, as local residents joined together to leave their handprints, fostering a shared sense of ownership.

Adjacent to the park is a forthcoming Community Hub, slated to open between December 2024 and January 2025. It aims to host a variety of workshops tailored to enhance young people’s skills, confidence, and independence.

Argyle Housing CEO, Carolyn Doherty, expressed: “Reflecting on this incredible journey, Griffin Green Dave Taylor Park beautifully showcases our dedication to uplifting regional youth. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and connectivity, we nurture a thriving community where every voice is heard, and every potential is realised.”

Griffith City Council Mayor, Doug Curran, added his commendation: “This vibrant transformation represents the heart of community spirit and innovation. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone, which enriches Griffith’s quality of life and fortifies our communal bonds for years ahead.”

The Griffin Green Youth and Community Park stands for inclusivity and cultural celebration, reinforcing the essence of community whilst paving the way for a thriving, connected future.