It’s the $16 million park that is not only going to provide heaps of fun – it will attract a fortune for the region for generations to come.
Mooloolaba’s long-awaited Northern Parkland has been officially opened and locals and visitors invited to experience the new “destination”.
The project represents the first stage of the four-stage Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, which will increase beachfront parkland in the suburb by 40 per cent.
It is expected to lure thousands of additional visitors, injecting an estimated $5.5 million worth of extra expenditure into local businesses each year.
The seaside attraction will also prepare the Sunshine Coast for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics world stage.
A swing seat at the new playground along the Mooloolaba foreshore.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the revitalised one-hectare park would ensure Mooloolaba remained an attractive and competitive destination.
“From family barbecues to golden days at the beach, children’s parties at the adventure playground, sunsets on the viewing deck – maybe even a marriage proposal or two – Mooloolaba will create lifelong memories,” he said.
“The pristine foreshore is one of Mooloolaba’s most important community assets and is surrounded by the popular shopping, dining and accommodation precinct recognised as the region’s tourism heart.
“The area provides a significant opportunity to drive renewed visitation and investment into the precinct, and indeed, the whole Sunshine Coast region.
“Throughout the community engagement process … the community told us to retain and enhance Mooloolaba’s natural beauty, renew spaces along the beachfront, and provide more exciting parks.
“The community also stressed a need to reinvigorate Mooloolaba as a place for locals and to attract more permanent residents to the area.
“The Northern Parkland ticks all of these boxes.”
Mayor Jamieson said the Northern Parkland drew inspiration from the coastal town’s character and community values.
He said it was now a distinctive destination that celebrated the natural beauty and diversity of Mooloolaba.
“A key focus for the parkland is prioritising accessibility and inclusivity so all members of our community can enjoy and access the boardwalk, playground and public amenities.
“The expansive boardwalk and coastal pathways enable people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, to enjoy the views and sit alongside family and friends.
“Inclusive play elements have also been incorporated into the playground – features which foster the physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills in children of all abilities.”
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Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the State Government was delighted to help bring the park to life.
“Projects like the Mooloolaba foreshore upgrade bring communities together and make tourists more likely to pick Mooloolaba for their next holiday,” she said.“The upgrades will make the foreshore one of the best places to check out the stunning coastal views in Mooloolaba.”
The Northern Parkland parkland includes a 200m-long accessible boardwalk and viewing platform, open grass spaces to picnic, play ball, or host weddings and entertainment events.
There’s also new beach access points, sheltered barbecues and dining tables, a state-of-the-art Adventure Playground, an ocean view deck and new public amenities offering people with disability access and ambulant facilities.
The seawall has been upgraded to protect the foreshore where there’s accessible pathways and public seating, SmartCity technology and more than 120 new trees and 10,000 new plants.
Fifty lucky students from Mooloolaba State School were the first to experience the Northern Parkland.
The keen kids put the adventure playground to the test and they loved climbing, swinging and sliding their way into the holidays.
The Queensland Government invested $4.6 million into into the parkland, while Sunshine Coast Council committed $11.5 million.
Local firms designed and delivered the precinct including main contractor Murphy’s Builders supported by Place Design Group, Barlow Shelley Engineers, The Jetty Specialists, Fleetwood and Urban Play among the many project contributors.
For more information on the Northern Parkland and the foreshore visit the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
