Leeton's Helson Park officially opened

Helson Park, located in Golf Course Estate, was officially opened on Monday morning by Leeton Shire Council and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley.

Plenty of thought has gone into the name of this new park facility, which comes complete with plenty of play equipment, wide open space, lush green grass and a footpath perfect for kids on their scooters.

The park has been named in honour of two pioneers of Leeton shire and and the prior owners of the land where the park is now situated.

These two men are Charles Frederick Helson (1883-1944) and Albert Percy Helson (1890-1916).

Charles came to the Leeton area in 1910 and became one of Leeton's earliest pioneering farming families. His brother, Albert, also an early pioneer, died as a soldier in France in 1916 and is named on the Leeton memorial clock.

Given the significance of the land and the contribution made by the men and their descendants to the shire, council accepted a proposal from current resident Paul Helson to give the park the name.

Speaking at the opening was Barry Helson, who said the park was a fitting tribute to the men.

"We look at what we've been through in our lifetime, yes it's been ups and downs like what all families go through, but we're very honoured by this," he said.

"We never thought we would see that. It's really special for us."

Both council money and funding from the federal government under the drought communities extension program helped make the new park a reality.

Ms Ley said recognising pioneering families was an important part of life today so their hard work in building the area was never forgotten.

"What I have learned (over time) is this region gave so much to Australia's future," she said.

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"Whether it's the pioneers in what would have been a very different landscape, the young men who went to war on the other side of the world or the post-war immigrants who have farmed this land."

Council's manager open space and recreation, Josh Clyne, said feedback from the community last year determined the playground components and the need for off-street paving suitable for bike and scooter use.

Helson Park contains an accessible and well-equipped playground featuring swings, a modular play structure and a shade sail with seating and an extensive concrete perimeter path for suitable for bikes and scooters.

"We are delighted to turn an extensive open space which contains a large stormwater detention basin into an open style landscaped parkland area for use," he said.