Work begins on Stage 6 Margaret Street Playground Upgrade
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will soon begin playground, lighting and landscaping improvements at Toowoomba’s premier park. The Margaret Street playground upgrade project at Queens Park will start on 22 June 2020 with completion expected in September 2020 (weather permitting).
TRC’s Environment and Community Services Portfolio Leader Cr Tim McMahon said the Stage 6 works are the latest in ongoing improvements outlined in Council’s Queens Park Master Plan Implementation Project.
“The Margaret Street playground upgrades will enhance the accessibility of public facilities while maintaining the unique features of the city’s premier park,” Cr McMahon said.
The Queens Park Stage 6 Master Plan Improvement Works are supported by $2,793,717 from the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program, with Toowoomba Regional Council also contributing $2,793,717.
State Development Minister Kate Jones said the government was proud to be partnering with councils and the private sector to deliver projects that create jobs.
“We are facing one of the most difficult times in our State’s history. But we know that to fast-track Queensland’s economic recovery, we need to invest in job-creating projects in regional Queensland,” she said.
“This program will not only create hundreds of construction jobs across the regions, it will create more employment opportunities for locals, helping small businesses in these communities and boosting industry supply chains.”
BoR round 5 focuses on construction and planning projects that will create and sustain long-term employment in regional Queensland.
Under previous BoR funding rounds almost $295 million has been allocated to 223 projects across 66 local government areas in regional Queensland.
This work has supported more than 2400 jobs and attracted additional investment of $487 million from councils and other organisations.
Cr McMahon said the Margaret Street playground will be temporarily closed to the public during construction for the safety of the crews and the community.
“The project involves the construction of an upgraded all-abilities shelter with barbecue facilities, seating, bike racks, playground equipment, water fountain, landscaping works together with the installation of lighting and city safe security services,” Cr McMahon said.
“The upgrade will include a range of new elements such as sound-sensor musical based play equipment, tactile touchwood totems and horizontal spinning orbits for both junior and senior players that provide increased play diversity for people of all abilities.
“For the young person who is hands-on and loves the trickle of a brook, the new water play additions, including the channel and weir will satisfy their inner dam builder.
“The building of a second unique tower structure that connects to the popular Pentaboo playground will add an extra challenge for young adventurers.
“After taking a spin on the new horse carousel, relief will be found on a range of themed seating that includes giant ladybirds, frogs and acorns.
Cr McMahon said the Steamroller, which has been present in Queens Park since the early 1960s, is an important historical element of Queens Park.
“The Margaret Street playground upgrade will include the construction of a fully integrated permanent fence enclosing the steamroller, allowing it to remain a feature and to replace the current temporary fencing that surrounds it,” Cr McMahon said.
“Council has been working with cultural heritage advisers from the Department of Environment and Science in determining the best outcome to address child safety concerns.”
Cr McMahon said Council places enormous value on our parks and the vital role they play in people’s lives by providing green space, recreational areas and places of solitude and contemplation.
“The Queens Park playgrounds are a great place for young people to enjoy the beautiful open space of the Toowoomba Region,” Cr McMahon said.
Queens Park Master Plan Improvement Works will continue in future years through to Stage 7, the final stage of the project, in 2020/2021.
For more information about the Queens Park Masterplan improvements, Stage 6 go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/our-region/major-projects/environment-community/12301-queens-park-improvements