Shoalhaven City Council together with Wellco Civil, Berry Park Care and Berry PS has rejuvenated the Alexandra Street site into a landscaping masterpiece renamed Berry Town Park. 

The reclaimed public space now includes a pedestrian pathway, park seating, predominantly native garden, grassed areas and stone creek-bed which have created a welcoming outdoor spot for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Berry Public School teacher Sue McAuliffe was in charge of the young green thumbs at Friday’s outing as part of Schools Tree Day.

“It’s nice for them to be involved in a community project and to have an interest in their own local area,” Mrs McAuliffe said. 

“They were very excited, they will love this, plus I think doing something for someone else is important for them to learn.

“Apart from learning about nature, the planting process and how to look after the environment, they get pleasure out of it.

“They’re busy bees, they’ll be most efficient today and get a lot planted.” 

Berry Town Park, which was a jointly funded project between council and the NSW government, forms part of the main artery from Queen Street to Berry Showground, war memorial and train station, so a safe and attractive walkway for foot traffic was much needed.

Year 6 pupil Carli Wildi was one gardener who was thrilled to be part of the planting day.

“It is fun planting trees, it helps the environment and makes Berry a beautiful place,” she said.

Further work is planned for the northern corner of the park which will begin mid-August and see the provision of a safe pedestrian landing over the drain.