Southern Downs Regional Council will begin removing old playground equipment this week to prepare for substantial upgrades to Killarney’s Canning Park, Allora’s Stuart Henry Park and Warwick’s Chase Estate Park.
The three upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of February.
Residents are advised that while the upgrades are under way these parks will be out of bounds.
Mayor Ron Bellingham apologised for the inconvenience but said it was all about creating better public open space, and giving healthy, outdoor destinations for parents to take their children.
“In the last three and a half years this new council has replaced eight public amenities blocks and made substantial upgrades to 13 parks across the Southern Downs, not counting these three new projects,” Cr Bellingham said.
“We’re not going to stop here,” he said. “Every year there will be consideration given to other parks in our capital budget.
“We’ll be looking first and foremost at safety, upgrading those parks with old or outdated equipment that doesn’t meet current Australian safety standards.”
Nestled in between the Allora Swimming Pool, basketball courts and Skate Park, upgrades to Stuart Henry Park at Allora will see it become the hub of a children’s play precinct.
The playground will be completely revamped with a complex new fort and monkey bar series, double chain swing set and a bird’s nest swing, similar to the one in Leslie Park.
Canning Park in Killarney will get new play equipment aimed at younger children, with shade cloth coverings. The new play ground will be fully fenced to provide maximum safety and peace of mind for parents.
“This will be a destination for parents to go and know their little tackers won’t get away,” parks and gardens coordinator John Newley said.
“It’s on the main drag in Killarney, and is near another playground suitable for older children, so will be a great destination for families with children of all ages, either locally or people travelling through.”
The council will also replace ageing play equipment in Chase Estate Park in Warwick with a modern colourful playground that meets current Australian standards.
“The kids will love it,” Mr Newley said.
The total value of the upgrades is $180,000.
Main meat markets improved
Weather played a factor on the import of numbers for the weekly sales. It was great for the area to receive the falls but...
