WODONGA'S newest park was officially opened yesterday with grandchildren of the man honoured by its name saying he would be "super proud".
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Richardson Park, a $1.13 million green spot near the old train station in the centre of the city, has been unofficially open since December.
Yesterday relatives of its honouree Robert Richardson came from as far away as Townsville to share in a ribbon-cutting with mayor Anna Speedie and government senator Jane Hume.
Mr Richardson (1892-1975) was a Wodonga shire councillor for 22 years and president for five terms, livestock agent and involved with the fire brigade, turf club, hospital, cricket and football.
A park in his name was first opened on the southern side of Elgin Boulevard where the city's police station and courthouse once stood, but there were fears with redevelopment the Richardson Park name could disappear.
Mr Richardson's late son Bill lobbied the council to ensure it was not lost.
Cr Speedie acknowledged the endeavours of the Richardson family in her speech to open the park.
"Thank you for your patience," she said to applause.
"We promised you we would reflect and respect the Richardson name."
Grandchildren Peter Richardson, of Table Top, and Anne McCutcheon, of Townsville, were delighted with the outcome.
"I'm very proud of what's been achieved here in remembering the Richardson traditions, particularly my grandfather Robert," Mr Richardson said.
"I think Wodonga Council have done an excellent job of incorporating Richardson Park into the rest of Junction Place."
Mr Richardson said his grandfather would be rapt at the modifying of land once home to rails and car parks.
"He would be super proud, he was very much a Wodonga person and was always looking to progress," he said.
"He was never afraid of development."
Mrs McCutcheon said the park had enlivened the area.
"I think he (grandfather) would be immensely proud," she said.
"He would love the fact children are catered for."
The park refers to Robert Richardson's livestock ties, which included bringing cattle on foot from Queensland to Wodonga, with sculptures of a horse and cow's horns.
Senator Hume tagged it "an incredible green space".
"I love the children's playground area," she said.
"I heard that they have already learned how to clog the drain so that they can fill up the water play area and make practically a swimming pool.
"You won't need a new swimming pool now you've got a water play area for the kids."
