A long-awaited mega-playground that will be nature-based and excite children of all ages and abilities could be finished by Christmas.
Noosa Council on Thursday awarded Aspect Contractors a $3.76 million contract to design and build the Hinterland Adventure Playground at Cooroy.
The idea was first put forward in 2003, three years after Cooroy’s timber mill was decommissioned and the site handed to council.
The brief was for an iconic, nature-based and all-abilities facility that would boost physical, emotional and social health and inspire creativity – as well as attract people to the area.
Now the project is a reality and Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said her council hoped to have the project finished for Christmas.
“We’ll be doing all we can to get the playground completed in December to give local and visiting children a treat in time for the festive season,” she said.
Designs for the all-abilities playground include a double flying-fox, climbing tower with slide, climbing structures with swings, water play area, picnic shelters and an amenities block.
“Following today’s decision the contractor can now formalise the concept designs and break ground on the Cooroy site shortly,” the Mayor said.
Council’s Acting Infrastructure Services Director, Bryan O’Connor, said Aspect Contractors had significant experience building similar projects.
“They have a strong track record with Council, they are highly capable and well resourced,” he said.
Mayor Stewart said that by working with prospective contractors as part of the procurement process, council was able to keep costs down without compromising on the designs.
“We have stayed true to the original brief which was for an iconic, nature-based, all-abilities playground that will attract people to Cooroy and cater for locals, too,” the Mayor said.
“We’re thrilled to receive $2.78m from the State Government toward the cost of delivering this exciting one-of-a-kind facility for our community.
“Nature-based playgrounds not only offer children obvious exercise benefits but they encourage their social and emotional development, cultivate their imaginations and an appreciation of nature,” Cr Stewart said.
As part of the development, Cooroy will also gain new car parking spaces and new public toilet facilities, which the community asked for.
Council last week approved a Material Change of Use application for the Maple Street site, with conditions to address flooding concerns, including a flood warning system and fencing.
Construction of the parking area forms part of a separate tender process, which will be reported to Council for a decision shortly.
