Upgrade to Boreham Park

Stage Two of an upgrade to Boreham Park has just been completed with a new toddler swing, water bubbler, shelter area, barbecue and more added to the popular recreational space.

The work follows on from the major refit of new play equipment earlier in the year, with the space offering families and park visitors exciting features including a zero-depth water play area, adventure tower and in-ground trampoline.

Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said it was fantastic to see the completed works bringing the area to life with an all-new look and feel. “The upgrade has transformed the space into a modern and exciting place of recreation that local families are loving,” he said. “This next stage of the upgrade has carried on with the wonderful transformation of the area to include a new water bubbler, barbecue and shelter within the park. “A new concrete pathway and fresh turf have also been installed in the area along with the replacement of the toddler swing.”

Cr Learmonth said the final stage of the upgrade would be implemented when the popular clown swing makes its way back to the park. “The clown swing, which is a well-loved piece of equipment for many, was taken down to be refurbished and will eventually be re-installed at Boreham Park,” he said.

The Boreham Park playground upgrade is a joint initiative of Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

Featuring an eight-metre-high adventure tower, large tube slide, inground trampoline and more, children are set to have a blast in Boreham Park's new playground which will open in time for the weekend.

Construction fencing will come down tomorrow after the area has been cordoned off since last year while the upgrades took place, including a playground manufactured and installed by local company Willplay.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Bundaberg Regional Council project was an exciting addition to the region and would provide families with a wonderful area to enjoy.

“It is the perfect place for young adventurers to explore and play and I know that many in our local community are thrilled with the opening,” he said.

“This massive area is one that families have been coming to for a long time and I am sure it will be hot on the list of things to do for many with the school holidays almost here.

“The playground has come to fruition through Works For Queensland funding and is a great example of how Council is committed to providing the community with areas to enjoy while getting out and participating in an active lifestyle.

“The opening comes off the back of our announcement of the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre which is set to become another family-friendly facility when it is constructed in the near future.”

Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said the work to Boreham Park playground was part of Council's Parks and Open Space Strategy 2019 – 2026, with the area highlighted by the community as in need of improvements.

He said the area featured a range of equipment for all ages and abilities.

“Boreham Park now features a zero-depth water play area for the younger children and a tunnel, centred around an adventure tower, perfect for the older kids” he said.

“An in-ground trampoline, custom double swing and all abilities swinger is part of the inclusive equipment for people with a disability.

“This is a park that has something for absolutely everybody.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in getting this project completed for the whole community to enjoy.”

The Boreham Park playground upgrade is a joint initiative of the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

The popular ‘clown swing’ was removed for safekeeping during construction and will be returned to the park soon.

You can read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Conceptual designs for the Boreham Park upgrade have been released after consultation revealed the community’s top priorities were adventure and water play.

The exciting concept designs reveal a vibrant new play space with neutral tones and modern features including a curved feature seat around an existing fig tree and a large picnic shelter.

A peddle loop path and in-ground trampolines are all featured in the concept proposal surrounding two new major play areas.

Bundaberg Regional Council parks and gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said extensive community consultation had taken place.

“The feedback from residents revealed that adventure style play was the number one priority followed by water play and, in particular, nature-based water play,” Cr Honor said.

“This feedback has been represented through the two major features of the conceptual design which includes an adventure tower and a zero-depth waterplay area.

“The tower features a rope bridge, climbing elements and large slide that will appeal to older children.

“The water play area will provide fun for all ages with misting poles and rock-themed water play areas for exploration.”

A total of 310 people completed the Boreham Park upgrade survey with 70 per cent of respondents supporting Council’s suggestion to remove the monorail.

Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said it was exciting to see the project progressing.

“We really appreciate the input from the community with so many people taking time out to help us prioritise the elements for inclusion in the Boreham Park upgrade,” Cr Learmonth said.

“We will now progress to detailed design to finalise the elements for inclusion in this project before going out to tender to complete the work.

Design work will soon begin as part of a major upgrade to Boreham Park, with Bundaberg Regional Council calling for ideas from the community to help revitalise the area.

Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said the Walkervale park was a popular place for children and families and would greatly benefit from transformation.

“This massive area is one that families have been coming to for a long time and it has so much potential,” he said.

“The design process involves designing the new play space as well as identifying the types and style of play equipment that can be included.”

Cr Learmonth said the #BRCbudget project was a result of community feedback for more quality play opportunities for children and young people in the region.

“So far, ideas from the community have included adventure style play and water play elements,” he said.

“We want to make sure the playground is suitable to cater to children of all ages and abilities and feel it is important to include a design that provides incremental risks and challenges for children to offer experiences that will help them develop.”

Community feedback needed

Cr Learmonth said Bundaberg Regional Council had now engaged a consultant to commence the conceptual design of the new play areas and the next step was to consult with the community.

“Through this process, we are seeking input from residents to help shape the design and provide input on the recreation elements for inclusion,” he said.

Cr Learmonth said people could get involved by completing an online survey before Monday, 28 October.

“Residents are also invited to join us in the upcoming community visioning day on Saturday, 12 October at Boreham Park between 9am and 11am,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to get together to discuss potential play elements and options to make this area as fantastic as it can be.”

The project is a joint initiative of the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council.

Boreham Park is set to receive an injection of fun and adventure as #BRCbudget19 plans to upgrade the popular play space.

Bundaberg Regional Council has released a tender for the conceptual design of the new play areas.

Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said it was a very exciting proposal for nearby residents and the wider community.

“Last year, through our community parks survey, many community members expressed the need for more quality play opportunities for children and young people,” Cr Learmonth said.

“Ideas from the community included adventure style play and water play elements.

“We are now seeking a qualified consultant to assist with developing a conceptual design of the new play space within Boreham Park.

“The design process will involve designing the new play space as well as identifying the types and style of play equipment that can be included.

“Desired elements for the playground may include large climbing structures and equipment like climbing ropes, walls, bridges, slides, gliding and swinging elements and mazes.

“The zero depth water play could feature play items like hand pumps, water mills and troughs, bubblers and jets or wheels and scoops.

“We feel that these elements will ensure that the playground is suitable to cater to children of all ages from infants to teens.”

Cr Learmonth said it was also important to Council that the design provides “risk and challenge” experiences for the development of young children.

“Once a tender is awarded Council will engage with the community through a consultation process so that all residents have an opportunity to provide feedback on the design and elements for inclusion,” he said.

Boreham Park design tender to consider history of site

Cr Learmonth said Boreham Park was selected for the upgrade because of its size, location and popularity.

“Boreham Park is already incredibly popular with young families,” he said.

“There are vast areas of open space with mature trees for shade which could be better utilised with the introduction of these new play facilities.

“This upgrade will no doubt increase its popularity and attract even more people.”

The new play area is proposed to be located where the monorail is currently positioned.

“Due to the age of this equipment, which is becoming more and more difficult to repair, it may not be possible to retain the monorail in its entirety.

“We have asked tenderers to consider the incorporation of the history of the monorail and the surrounding environment into the new design.

“The site may also potentially extend to the grass area on the northern side of the existing junior playground.”

The successful tenderer will be required to provide conceptual drawings, an overall layout plan, perspective views and a description of park and landscape works along with the proposed play equipment for inclusion.

This project is a joint initiative of the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council.