Barbecue to celebrate Todd Park youth space

Christmas has come early for the youth of Bentley Park, where a new activity precinct has been completed in time for the summer school holidays.

A $900,000 upgrade of Todd Park, formerly known as Little Fretwell Park, features a transition mini ramp skate park suitable for beginner to intermediate riders, a play area with flying fox, basket swing and climbing bars, a resurfaced basketball court and social hang-out areas connecting the activity stations.

Division 2 Councillor John Schilling said a highlight of the upgrade was a 48m gabion/skillion roof that offers all-weather play.

“This is the first partially covered piece of skate infrastructure in the Cairns region,” Cr Schilling said. “We all know that it gets a little wet at this time of year, so there is no better time to unveil this fantastic addition to the many youth spaces in our parks throughout the region.

“The covered areas will extend its use and I am sure it will become a destination for young people and families right across Cairns.

Cr Schilling said some extra colour had been added to the park through a recent urban art project.

“Council partnered with the Youth Justice Department and the result is eye catching and adds some character to the park,” he said.

Little Fretwell Park was renamed Todd Park in June 2018. The Todd family were pioneers in the Edmonton area, establishing and working a sugar cane farm in the Bentley Park area from the 1940s.

The family farm was located where the present day park is located and included land stretching from Hardy Road to the present day Bruce Highway.

Residents and park users are invited to join in a free barbecue on Tuesday 18 December from 11am to celebrate the completion of the park’s refurbishment.