Goondiwindi Regional Council, Queensland, has replaced and extended about 200sq m of softfall surface under and around the play equipment at the All Abilities Park in Texas with $50,000 from the State Government’s 2020-2021 COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q) funding.
Councillor, Lachlan Brennan said he was pleased to see yet another park safety upgrade in the region funded by the program.
“Council in particular prides itself on maintaining these facilities to the highest standard, and I think the Goondiwindi Region really has a reputation for great parks and public spaces.”
Softfall surface, designed to prevent injuries from falls – particularly head injuries, is installed throughout many of Council’s parks.
The Texas project was prioritised due to the age and deterioration of the existing softfall material at the All Abilities Park.
“Safety upgrades across several parks in the region were a real priority for Council with this round of W4Q funding.
“This year, Council has committed $2 million of its Budget to maintain and upgrade parks and gardens across the region, which includes park equipment and facility upgrades as well as town beautification.
“These investments will not only provide a safer environment for all users of the park, but they’ll also reduce the need for future maintenance, which will reduce Council costs. And this means ratepayer dollars can be put to other projects in the region.”
Council manages 25 parks and gardens across the Goondiwindi Region. The project complements several other recent park safety upgrades funded by W4Q.
The work also complements a range of upgrades to Texas community facilities with benefits to the town’s visitor economy, including two new picnic shelters and the replacement of current tables and chairs at the Avon Street rest area, and the construction of a new footpath from the popular Dumaresq free campground into Texas.
The All Abilities Park provides accessible toilet facilities, a sheltered picnic table and barbecue area, seating and a perimeter fence for safety.
The playground is designed with children of all needs and abilities in mind and features a sensory sand and water play area, sensory plantings, a flying fox with harness, swings, open play areas and a climbing net.
