Port Stephens Council officially reopened the Nelson Bay park with the launch of the inaugural Tomaree Arts Festival on Friday, October 25.

The works, started in September 2018, has included the addition of a new grassed amphitheatre, improved access, pathways, irrigation, lighting and electrical services to create a "multi-functional community space".

"It's hard to believe that just over a year ago, the NSW Government announced funding for the revitalisation of Apex Park," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"Apex Park is now a place where people want to stay, relax and enjoy spending time. It's also a multi-functional space that can cater for outdoor events and activities like the Tomaree Arts Festival.

"Under the banner of Nelson Bay Next, council has been busy completing important projects like the Yacaaba Street extension, revitalising Apex Park and we're now starting work on demolishing the Donald Street East carpark.

"All of these works are an important step forward for Nelson Bay as we continue to drive progress in the town centre."

The revitalisation works are part of the Apex Park Masterplan adopted by the council in 2015. The two stages of works carried out in the past 12 months were funded by a $300,000 NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund grant.

Stage one of the works was finished in November 2018, in time for Nelson Bay's Remembrance Day service.

The second and final stage of the works funded through the grant was completed this month, in time for the launch of the arts festival.

The council's community development and engagement coordinator, Amber Herrmann, said the Tomaree Arts Festival is a first for the peninsula.

"What better way to show off the brand new Apex Park than to hold a vibrant community event," she said.

"The inaugural Tomaree Arts Festival was brought to the community by the Seaside Singers and features 14 events at 10 venues across four days."

The arts festival wraps up on Monday night.

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