Final touches set for square

Scott, Macey, Gemma, Demi Agnew  TBW Newsgroup
PERFECT SPOT: Scott, Macey, Gemma and Demi Agnew stop in at the Penola Town Square for lunch on their way home to Mount Gambier from Adelaide.

Scott, Macey, Gemma, Demi Agnew TBW Newsgroup
PERFECT SPOT: Scott, Macey, Gemma and Demi Agnew stop in at the Penola Town Square for lunch on their way home to Mount Gambier from Adelaide.

AFTER more than three years of work and more than 20 years of discussion, the Penola Town Square project is nearing completion.

Marg Muller, Judith Georgeson (2) TBW Newsgroup
UPDATE: Penola Town Square committee member Marg Muller and resident Judith Georgeson take in the new artwork at the square.

In the past few weeks, several major updates have taken place at the community hub, including signage to promote the free WiFi connection point.

In addition, four corten panels feature on the Church Street side of the square.

Based on the Aboriginal symbol for a meeting place, the panel designs were suggested by Penola High School art students.

Once the concept was finalised, Cate Bell created the artwork which was then sent to be laser cut into the panels.

The panels have a natural rusted finish and will continue to weather with time.

The final instalment of the town square project includes new tables and benches around the square and a sculpture inspired by pioneering women.

This weekend will see the first event held at the square, with Penola Coonawarra Stand Like Stone Sub Fund Swinging with the Stars representative Kate Perry hosting an amazing race and pop-up bar to raise funds for the cause.

The square will also be the “gateway” to the upcoming Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.

Festival-goers will be able to access events from the central point with paths leading towards Petticoat Lane and other points of interest.