Two playgrounds have received $380,000 of improvements at a popular riverside park.
The upgrades were made to facilities at the northern and southern ends of La Balsa Park, a popular spot for picnics and play on the banks of the Mooloolah River at Buddina.
Sunshine Coast councillor Joe Natoli welcomed the upgrades, despite some delays due to wet weather.
“We’re enhancing the park’s appeal and ensuring it remains a safe, fun and inclusive space for everyone,” he said.
“The playground at the northern end of the park is now open for people to safely enjoy, with exciting new playground equipment, a new shade sail, rubber soft-fall surfacing, new fencing, new park furniture, connecting footpath and new gardens.
“New park furniture, including a picnic table at the northern playground area, will also be installed in the coming weeks.
“This fully fenced playground has a sand surface and is inclusive, featuring play elements that encourage children of all abilities to engage with one another in play and discovery.
“The new playground at the southern end of the park will be open to the public at the end of May, with new play equipment and landscaping.
“We’ll keep the temporary fencing in place at this playground for at least a week to allow the newly installed turf to establish properly.
“We’ve also installed connecting footpaths between the play areas and the picnic and barbecue facilities, making this popular park even more accessible and welcoming.”
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The council delivered the works as part of the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park Master Plan, which was expected to balance the needs of the community and the environment.
The plan outlines improvements to pathway networks, upgraded picnic furniture and playgrounds, more shade and landscaping, realigned parking and viewing platforms.
La Balsa Park also boasts an exercise/fitness equipment node, shelter and shade and a wheelchair-friendly pathway that continues up to Point Cartwright.
The park offers four off-street car parking locations and a trailer parking area at the boat ramp, which includes a double concrete boat ramp with a separate boarding pontoon.
