Murweh Shire Council, Queensland, with the help of an enthusiastic Parks and Gardens crew, turned an unused and unattractive park in the centre of Charleville township into an award winning, favourite meeting place and nature playground.
Graham Andrews Park, located between Charleville’s airport and the central business district, is the southern entrance to town and prior to 2017 was a sad welcome to visitors.
Two years ago Council decided it was time for a make-over. Thanks to the expert work of the team including concreters, builders, roads crew, reticulation installers, electricians and plumbers, the park has now become one of Charleville’s most popular attractions.
The upgrade saw the installation of solar lighting around the lake and on the paths, new reticulation, lawn, trees, playground soft-fall, drink and water fountains, park furniture, perimeter fencing and a car park which has turned the area a vibrant, well-used park.
The project was undertaken in several stages, many simultaneously.
The upgrade of Graham Andrews Park has seen its use increase exponentially – the walking tracks invite a more active life style and the weekly ‘park run’ also makes use of the new pathways and other amenities.
Night walks are popular with the new solar lighting installed as well as evening picnics and barbecues.
Director of Engineering, Paul O’Connor lead the project however planning, design and execution were all a team effort.
The planning included power connection for the drink fountains – (power was necessary for refrigerated water) and the water fountains in the lake which run via a new electric pump.
A large number and variety of trees were planted in the park including Hoop, Bunya and Norfolk Island pines, figs, Queensland Brush Box, Kurrajongs and Jacarandas amongst others, attracting native birds and adding to the diversity of local flora and fauna.
Graham Andrews Park regeneration project won the 2019 Queensland Park of the Year Award.
