Lismore’s historic Spinks Park Rotunda has reopened following restoration works, with residents being encouraged to return to the riverside public space and help protect it from vandalism.
The rotunda was closed in February 2026 because of concerns about public safety, antisocial behaviour and the condition of the site.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said he was pleased to see the historic facility reopen.
“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 near Lismore’s CBD, Spinks Park is also home to the Lismore Croquet Club, the CWA and the Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club.
Council is developing a reactivation plan for the precinct as it looks to encourage greater community use of the park.
“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 cleaned the area, installed new signage, increased ranger patrols and improved overhead lighting. The rotunda is now illuminated each night, with repainting scheduled over the coming weeks.
Built in 1914, the rotunda was officially opened by Mayor R J Spinks in May that year. The Northern Star reported 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,” 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.”
The reopening comes as council continues to deal with vandalism at the recently reopened 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.”
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