New All-abilities Woodlands Playground Fast-tracked

A new inclusive all-abilities playground is set to be built as part of the first stage of Woodlands District Park between Beaconsfield and Andergrove. Construction of the playground is expected to start next financial year after the drainage and earthworks are finalised.

The playground, which was initially planned as part of stage three of the park’s development, has been brought forward into stage one thanks to a $1.5 million commitment from Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to building inclusive communities and the new playground in Woodlands District Park was a positive step towards reaching that goal.

“The new facilities will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities and those of us who are children at heart,” he said.

“It will be a district-level facility, so it will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Queens Park and Northview Park, however this play facility will be designed for all-abilities.  

Mayor Williamson said the council was working hard to provide inclusive facilities across the region.

“We’ve been focusing on providing facilities such as all-abilities path upgrades, the installation of adult change facilities that cater to members of the community with a disability, and inclusive water play, which will be an exciting feature of Seaforth Esplanade’s new upgrades,” he said.  

“We’re looking forward to adding this new all-abilities playground at Woodlands District Park to the list of inclusive facilities available for the public to enjoy.”    

The development of the new 21-hectare Woodlands District Park will be staged, with initial construction works set to occur in the western side of the park where the former Broomdykes Drive Park in Beaconsfield was located. This area has already been cleared and will be referred to as the park’s Central Precinct.

Mayor Williamson said the Central Precinct would focus on active recreation.

“In addition to the all-abilities playground, the precinct will offer a range of family-friendly facilities including barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, multipurpose tracks and an expanded path network catering to everyone’s needs,” he said.

“Those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride, or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading will all be accommodated with a multipurpose track.”

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• A new all-abilities playground

• A multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages

• New barbecue and picnic facilities

• Public amenities including a Changing Places facility for the disabled community

• Additional paths including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link.

• Drainage and landscaping improvements including the reshaping and re-planting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course

Woodlands District Park precinct map

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