Plenty of places to play or relax

Summer of fun set up by park upgrades

Parks continue to be a high priority for Logan City Council as it delivers new and improved options that help residents embrace an active and healthy outdoor lifestyle.

The latest projects include a popular older park in Springwood receiving an upgrade while a new nature play park has been created in Eagleby.

The works are part of a record $63 million allocated in the last Council Budget for the management and maintenance of the City of Logan’s 962 parks and reserves.

Mayor Darren Power said it was money well-spent across the City of Logan.

“Our community has told us how important parks are in their local areas and these upgrades, and other works planned, will ensure these open spaces continue to be well-used, innovative and engaging,” Cr Power said.

Springwood Park in Cinderella Drive, which dates to the 1970s, has had a $2.8 million makeover supported by $900,000 from Council through the Division 1 Local Infrastructure Program (LIP) fund and $500,000 from the Queensland Government.

The upgrade includes:

• A new internal roadway replacing the existing ring road.
• Parking facilities have been upgraded, including provision of more disabled parking spaces.
• Roadway lighting, pathways and extensive stormwater infrastructure and landscaping.
• The existing playground was retained and is due for replacement next year.
• The Anzac memorial has been retained and was protected during construction.

Division 1 Councillor Lisa Bradley said the latest upgrade followed on from Stage 1 works which included a new carpark, a dog off-leash area and replacement of the toilet block.

“Springwood Park is used by residents and visitors of all ages and the new roadway and parking makes it easier to access everything the park offers,” Cr Bradley said.

“But what I am particularly happy about is all the works have been done with respect to the existing natural environment which has been preserved for generations to come.”

A new nature play area at Eagleby Wetlands in River Hills Road, has been constructed to also reflect the natural environment. The design focuses on the concept of the Latham’s Snipe, a bird that uses Eagleby Wetlands as a nesting ground.

Features include:

• A ‘nest mound’ with tunnel to explore, along with sandstone and timber steppers.
• A timber log balance and scramble section connecting the playground to an open nest sandpit area.
• Giant chimes for a fun interactive experience, which also represents the songs and sounds of the wetlands.
• Rope-climb equipment with rocking log elements.
• Footpaths with sandblasted bird elements, native gardens, sandstone seating, bins and formal picnic settings.

Lifestyle Chair Councillor Tony Hall said the new nature play area was among a number of local park upgrades completed, underway or planned.

“As we move into summer and the school holidays, families will flock to our local parks and it is important to provide practical facilities and fun playgrounds that suit all ages,” Cr Hall said.

Other Parks projects in the pipeline, many driven by Divisional Local Infrastructure Program funding, include:

• Alexander Clark Park (Loganholme): A multi-staged $6.34 million makeover with the first two stages close to opening and featuring a giant koala-shaped play tower along with a range of other playground and parks equipment and facilities.
• Riverdale Park (Meadowbrook): A $2.5 million upgrade of the main playground featuring a dinosaur theme that includes a skeletal climbing structure. Exercise equipment, picnic shelters and additional barbecue facilities are also part of the project.
• Mabel Park (Slacks Creek): New facilities include a large play tower under new shade sails and complemented by nature play elements including misters and water pumps. Other additions are a junior bike skills track, a fitness station, seating and shelters.
• Waterford West District Park: Preliminary planning for what will be the largest park development in the city for more than 10 years is ongoing with a construction start expected next year.
• Lincoln Green Park (Forestdale): New play equipment has been installed along with two new double shelters, picnic settings, a platform seat, drinking fountain with bottle filler and dog bowl and a double electric barbecue.
• KJ Asling Reserve (Windaroo): An upgrade included new play equipment, a rubbish bin, a shelter, drinking fountain re-laid footpath and a new park name sign.
• Tully Memorial Park (North Maclean): Three new illuminated flood markers have been erected alongside six existing historic markers.

Council has also worked with developers to deliver top-class parks and facilities in Greenbank (Everleigh Park) and Logan Reserve (Flindersia Riverside Park).