For years, it was a place people hurried past, a park better known for drinking, drug use and rough sleepers than somewhere to stop and stay.
Now, Awaba Park has a second chance.
For the first time since its $290,000 facelift, funded by City of Newcastle and the state government, the park will host the popular Hawker Street Markets this September.
The fences came down on Friday and visitors were welcomed back to the park, which now features accessible seating, landscaping work, a weatherproof, purpose-built community pantry and a notice board.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said activation would be the key to avoiding antisocial behaviour.
"This is one of the many tools that we have been using to revitalise Beaumont Street," Mr Crakanthorp said.
He cited more cops on the beat, an increase in social and homelessness services and the council's CCTV trial as some of the tools being used to combat antisocial behaviour.
"When we combine all those things, we're seeing and will continue to see good outcomes for Beaumont Street to get it back to that wonderful community that it has been and still is, but has a big future ahead," Mr Crakanthorp said.
The CCTV trial follows months of escalating antisocial behaviour on the strip, including assaults, vandalism, break-ins and drug deals.
Awaba Park, or Hamilton Station Park as it's otherwise known, had become a place people avoided.
Hamilton Business Improvement Association chair Kasey Pollard said she hoped the park would become a gateway from the train station to all Beaumont Street has to offer.
"We really hope to capture this space and revitalise it all," Ms Pollard said.
"We hope to continue activating this space and bring more families here to use it in different ways that Hamilton can expect from us.
"Hopefully we can deliver and keep it as the fun, beautiful and colourful space that has now been created."
The Hawker Markets on September 12 will see the park lit up with neon signs promoting street food, outdoor dining and sweet treats, with family fun on offer including face painting, live music and entertainment.
City of Newcastle councillor Jenny Barrie said the project was designed to improve the park's functionality, accessibility and safety.
"The key elements will enable the park to be activated more often," Cr Barrie said.
Security and colour-changeable ambient lighting has been installed and water connections upgraded to provide a bubbler, tap and dog bowl.
Councillor Paige Johnson said accessibility improvements were also a key factor in the project that would support the use of the space for the whole community.
"These works have delivered the installation of a new kerb ramp, upgrades to pathways, as well as accessible modular seating with handrails," Cr Johnson said.
"The landscaping has opened up the park area, while a surface garden beneath the iconic Moreton Bay fig will protect the tree's root system.
"An accessible all-weather gravel pathway around the fig and through the park has improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and prams."
Councillor Joel Pringle said visitors to the park would be greeted by new visual elements.
"The Welcome to Place sign will invite people to learn about the historical and ongoing relationship our traditional custodians have with this space and its surrounds," Cr Pringle said.
"First Nations people gathered here for thousands of years and we want the park to continue to be a place for all people to enjoy."
