PLAYGROUND PARADISE: Lobbying pays off as Council commits $500,000 to new Rex Smeal park playground by mid next year
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Related articles:
- Shown up, are other regions putting Douglas Shire... to shame / 30/10/2023
- Playground blues... kids park still a long way off / 12/09/2023
- Locals question future of iconic Douglas play area... / 23/11/2022
- Douglas Shire prioritise... to immediately address / 08/11/2023
------
Just days after a Newspoll poll revealed Douglas Shire residents consider the installation of recreational facilities as the number one priority for the region, an early Christmas present with confirmation Rex Smeal Park will house a brand new playground in 2024.
Newsport, on behalf of the Douglas Shire community has been lobbying for Council to prioritise the construction of a showpiece playground as a matter of priority for more than 12 months.
After months of uncertainty and more importantly no funds on the table to build any reputable and iconic playground Douglas Shire Council confirmed it has now committed $500,000 to the project which they say will “will be completed by mid next year”.
Mowbray playground supplier (AAA playscapes), will deliver the project.
An artist’s impression of the playground revealed it’s likely to consist of, among other things, a rope mattress, a plastic wall climber, a rubber wall climber and a climbing wall.
The decision to allocate funds to the project rather than wait for a potential grant opportunity was confirmed at a meeting held by Council yesterday.
“Reef and rainforest day trips might be at the top of to-do lists for adult tourists but a playground can be the equivalent drawcard for young children,” Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said.
“I’m sure families across the Douglas Shire are also looking forward to having another venue for the kids to burn off some energy.
“We all know the benefits of physical activity and testing skills on challenging equipment but, put simply, playgrounds are just fun!”.