Wagga Riverside Park AILA NSW 2023 Award

With climate change induced flooding a recurring and major issue across regional NSW, the revitalisation of riverside community facilities must take many factors into consideration. The Wagga Wagga Riverside Precinct is Stage 2 of the Riverside Masterplan is looking to enhance the city’s open space, landscape, and recreation values by reconnecting with the river, recovering important natural city-river linkages and riparian environments.

The project rethinks a disconnected and defunct caravan park site to create an iconic recreation, cultural and event ready destination for markets, festivals, and music events to attract locals and visitors to this rapidly expanding inland city.

The facilities, including a regional playground, picnic grounds, walking and cycling tracks, an event space and all associated infrastructure have been designed to take advantage of the riverside location but also to minimise impacts and recover quickly from flood events. Engagement with local Aboriginal groups resulted in the inclusion of a Yarning Circle set amongst River Red Gums along the river and the city’s paddle-steamer past was interpreted in the all abilities playground.

The team's comprehensive and collaborative approach has resulted in a well-loved and popular new space for Wagga Wagga’s community.