The historic Spinks Park Rotunda has reopened to the community following works to restore the much-loved structure giving residents and visitors another opportunity to enjoy one of Lismore’s most significant riverside public spaces.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the rotunda was reluctantly closed in February 2026 following concerns about public safety, antisocial behaviour and the condition of the site, and he was delighted to see the historic facility reopened for the community to enjoy.
“For generations, the rotunda has provided a venue for community bands, performances and public gatherings and remains an important part of Lismore’s history and community identity.”
Located beside the Wilsons River and close to Lismore’s CBD, Spinks Park is home to the Lismore Croquet Club, the CWA and the Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club.
“Council is currently working on a reactivation plan for the area and I encourage residents and visitors to come down, have a picnic, enjoy the gardens and the river and make use of this wonderful public space,” he said.
Council has undertaken cleaning, installed new signage, increased Ranger patrols and improved overhead lighting, with the rotunda now illuminated each night. Repainting works will be undertaken over the coming weeks.
Built in 1914, the rotunda was officially opened by Mayor R J Spinks in May that year, with The Northern Star reporting that more than 2,000 people attended the opening.
“We want to restore the rotunda and Spinks Park to their former role as a welcoming and well-used community space,” Mayor Krieg said.
“The rotunda was once available to hire for events and was a popular setting for formal and wedding photography. We’re working to make this possible once again.”
Council continues to deal with ongoing vandalism at the recently reponed Lismore Transit Centre bathrooms.
“Council invested significant funds in major repairs and refurbishment of the Transit Centre bathrooms, so it is extremely disappointing to see the facilities already being damaged, rubbish being left behind and litter accumulating throughout the Transit Centre.
“We have increased security and patrols at the Transit Centre and through Spinks Park, but we need the community to help us protect these facilities.
“Public spaces belong to all of us. The best way to keep them vibrant and welcoming is for the community to use them and to let us, and if necessary the police, know when there are problems.”
