Cameron Clark has a knack for designing spaces for holidaymakers, no matter their age, interests or mobility.
“It’s about making people’s hobbies easier,” says the senior project manager for Reflections Holiday Parks.
Which is great news, given that Reflections Holiday Parks manages accommodation and site upkeep on NSW’s Crown Land.
“When we undergo upgrades in these reserves, we’re really looking at how it benefits all members of the community,” says Cameron.
ACCOUNTING FOR ALL-ABILITIES
Indeed, the group advocated for pathways and a Mobi-Mat at Torakina Beach, providing wheelchair-, walker- and stroller-access to the water.
The new concrete pathways link the beach mat to existing paths, creating an ‘all abilities’ route to the park’s accessible accommodation and town.
Projects financed in the Brunswick Heads Foreshore upgrade also include a retaining wall and an accessible playground at Banner Park, with Reflections chipping in $150,000+ into the 1.47m works, co-funded by the state’s Restart NSW fund.
“Part of the planning process is consulting with the broader community. Often they’ll have opinions on what should happen.
“But our holiday park managers also have a fair idea—they’re right there on the ground.”
COMMUNITY-LED DESIGN
Reflections Holiday Parks had also previously installed Mobi-Mats at Urunga, south of Coffs Harbour.
Concrete cancer claimed the much-loved tidal pool—so in conjunction with Bellingen Shire Council, Reflections applied to the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.
“Swimming is a really popular activity here but the lido there was really dilapidated,” Cameron says.
Reflections project managed the 40-metre boardwalk, the attached floating pontoon and second a pontoon within the lido.
Two Modi-Mats provide guests and locals access into the lido. With beach wheelchairs publicly available for hire at the Urunga Holiday Park.
“All up, the feedback was really positive. Some of it was constructive, which we’ve incorporated into Takarina installation.”
MOUNTAIN TRAILS ON THE CARDS
Not all community upgrades are beach related.
Drought has affected water sports at some of the dams adjacent to some inland Reflections Holiday Parks. So the group attracts locals and visitors onto Crown Lands in other ways.
“Some of the dams were not able to accommodate waterskiing with less water, so we spent time adding different activities—like stargazing attractions.
“Right now, we are looking at establishing mountain bike trails at some of our inland parks,” says Cameron.
According to their research, the demand is huge but upkeep is a major barrier. And there are environmental considerations in any undertaking—consultation is key.
All going well, though, Cameron hopes to see trails opening up as late as 2021 at the very earliest, with Lake Glenbawn Holiday Park a likely contender.
“We’ve got local community groups who use the land so we’re chatting to them right now to ensure any trails we build won’t interfere with their activities.
“It’s a real balancing act!”
Wintertime campers warm up around a communal fire on Crown Land, managed by Reflections Holiday Parks.
EVANS HEADS, FINAL STAGES AHEAD
What’s next on the cards for Reflections, though, is the final renovations on Reflections Holiday Parks – Evans Heads Holiday Parks.
“It’s our largest park; we plan to start implementing the final stages of design after Easter.”
Which will include a new marine-themed playground that’s accessible with “soft fall surfaces, to provide that inclusive experience.”
All up, the group will have spent 7 million dollars repointing campsites, installing premium and ensuite sites and shared facilities following extensive community consultation.
Watch this space.
Repointed campsites and cabins amongst the significant phase 1 renovations at Evans Head Holiday Park.
