Nature Based Play Space takes shape

Residents and visitors to the Burdekin will soon have a state-of-the-art Nature Based Play Space at Plantation Park with works continuing to progress on the major project.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council anticipated that the playground will be ready for the community and visitors to enjoy by the end of August 2019.

“Anyone who has visited Plantation Park recently would have seen that construction is progressing very well – the swings sets are in, the pathways and bridges are formed, and the frames of the cubby structures and shade shelters are complete,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Most of the hard infrastructure has been constructed. There’s still a fair bit of work to do on the landscaping and detailed design elements, but it’s already easy to imagine the Nature Based Play Space as a central place for families to gather and connect in the future.”

Cr McLaughlin said the play area will be a space for people of all abilities to play side-by-side on the same equipment.

“It was really evident during our extensive consultation phase that residents wanted this to be an inclusive place for all community members – and this is something Council took very seriously,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Everything from play equipment to pathways have been designed with accessibility in mind and the play area will cater for a range of sensory levels. This will be a place where all children can have fun, be challenged and develop their fine motor skills through outdoor play.”

When completed, the play area will incorporate features such as:

The concept of a Nature Based Play Space came after Council called on residents during a 2016 survey to share their vision for future uses of Plantation Park.

Cr McLaughlin thanked the State Government for investing money in the project for the benefit of Burdekin residents and visitors from throughout the state.