A prominent facility at one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest beaches is set for a change, with council seeking community feedback on its future.
The fenced playground at the Kings Beach Park and Amphitheatre precinct is expected to be renewed or replaced with something else for a different purpose.
The structure, which was built during a foreshore redevelopment in the early 2000s, boasts swings, slides, climbing, sand play, shade and seating.
But a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said it is worn and aged.
“Located in a high-profile area, the playground is a well-recognised feature of Kings Beach,” they said.
“However, the existing playground has reached the end of its serviceable life.
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“Council is currently monitoring its use and engaging with the community to better understand how it is utilised.”
Month-long consultation to ‘help shape the future of this space’ will end on February 12.
Locals are being asked, via an online ‘Have Your Say’ survey, whether the play area should be upgraded or whether the space should be used for something different.
“Council is seeking community feedback to ensure the renewal meets community need and supports a sustainable network of recreation facilities,” the spokesperson said.
“The future of the space will be guided by community input.
“It could remain a playground or evolve into something different.
“Council encourages residents and visitors to share their ideas.”
Councillor Terry Landsberg took to social media to urge locals to have a say.
Many people responded, calling for the playground to stay and to be upgraded.
“Being gated, with toilets nearby and shade, was an absolute godsend when I had four kids under five,” Katie Wilke said.
“I used to feed the baby while the other three ran riot. It’s been a brilliant little park. I would keep it so similar. Don’t over-complicate it.”
“A shaded, gated playground: this is gold dust. Don’t take it away. Improve it,” Nicky Staff said.
“That park is so important to the whole harmony of that space,” Janine Hoffmann said.
Meanwhile, some people called for it to be turned into a water play area.
There are other play spaces nearby including the Princess Lane playground, the water play area across the road and two playgrounds within the Kings Beach foreshore parkland.
The spokesperson said engagement and design should be completed by June, with construction planned for the 2027 financial year.
It will be funded through the council’s capital works program, with costs determined during the design phase.
“This renewal is part of council’s ongoing asset management program for parks and gardens,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition, council is planning to renew the multi-play element and some minor play equipment in the adjacent Kings Beach Park closer to the beach, in the near future.”
