Vehicular access to Hutching’s Park in Port Gardens is now prohibited following complaints to Cairns Regional Council about child safety at the park.

CRC contractors installed recycled wood bollards and an emergency access gate last week after numerous calls were made to Council regarding cars driving on the park where children were playing, according to a Council spokesman.

Previously, parents and various groups had driven across the park to access a large, undercover BBQ area, but now drivers are forced to park on the verge at Oriole Street to gain access to the facilities.

The Council spokesman said while the installation of the bollards and the gate cost an estimated $14,000, there were no further plans to irrigate the park, which is currently suffering a prickle problem and dehydration to the grassed areas.

Meanwhile, Bruno Reidwig Memorial Park in Solander has received new play equipment at a cost of $48,000.

Steel posts are currently in place awaiting the arrival of a shade sail to ensure children and parents are shielded from the sun, at a total cost of $21,000.

A separate toddler’s playground is also expected to be built within the next two months at the same park at a cost of approximately $30,000.