Minister for Urban Development Planning Paul Holloway did the honours, revealing a plaque on a huge piece of Mintaro slate which he likened to a sculptural installation.

The Lions Park was originally developed at the corner of Victoria Road and Hope Street in the 1970s when Lions member Graham Hore first put forward the concept.

Since that time the park has been popular with visitors and local families and was recently revamped as part of the Valleys Lifestyle Centre redevelopment and the Hutt River Linear Park Project, as a joint initiative with the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council and the Department of Planing and Local Government.

Mayor Allan Aughey thanked Mintaro Slate for donating the stone for the park’s sign and plaque.

“Thanks to their generosity we are able to display their product, which is one of the magnificent local geographical features, and we appreciate their support to the community,” Mr Aughey said.

He said would like to see landscaping work continue along the Hutt River and other rivers and creeks in the district.

Mr Holloway responded that he would look forward to receiving more grant applications for linear parks, which were a great way in which to transform local environments.