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Work on Council’s Playground Replacement Program is now underway
GRC has commenced work to replace or refurbish playgrounds across the region as part of the 2020/21 Playground Replacement Program, funded by the QLD Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program.
Works include the design and construction of four playgrounds and upgrades to three playgrounds, with an anticipated competition date of 5 July, weather permitting.
Playgrounds set for replacement are:
- Air Sea Rescue Park, Seventeen Seventy
- Bunting Park, Calliope
- Frank and Francie Park, Curtis Island
- Goonananga Park, South Gladstone
- Toonee Park, Kin Kora.
Playgrounds set for an upgrade are:
- Memorial Park, Gladstone
- Turkey Beach Park, Turkey Beach.
Prior to the construction and upgrade, Council undertook a round of community engagement in early 2021 to find out what people would like in local playground replacements and upgrades.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the engagement period, which ran from 25 January to 7 February, saw a total of 100 contributions from residents via Council’s online Conversations platform.
“The community had two design options to choose from for each of the parks set for replacement,” Councillor Burnett said.
“All results were conclusive with almost 75 per cent of people choosing Design Option 2 for Goonananga Park at South Gladstone, while more than two thirds of respondents chose Design Option 2 for Toonee Park.
“Depending on the park, works will include site establishment, removal of existing playground equipment, installation of new playground equipment, the replacement of softfall and site remediation works.
“Playground equipment designs will feature swings, slides and climbing apparatus.”
Cr Burnett added that community engagement regarding Frank and Francie Hart Park took place during December 2019 and January 2020.
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher welcomed the funding as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $427,200 in these playground upgrades as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” Minister Butcher said.
“By investing in projects like this we’re helping to drive job creating and delivering better local infrastructure for Gladstone residents.
“We’re expecting to deliver seven local jobs during construction, with a total of seven playgrounds benefiting from the works.”
Visitors to these parks are asked to be mindful of safety and observe signage in place while works are carried out.
Visit https://conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au/projects and click on the 2020/2021 Playground Replacement Program tile to view community engagement results and concept images of the design options chosen.
The Playground Replacement Program is funded by the Queensland Government through the COVID Works for Queensland Program.
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