Construction is about to commence on two upgrades at a hinterland park.
The upgrade to Lilyponds Park at Mapleton is in response to the local community advocating for improved accessibility and better recreational facilities.
A new half-court for ball games will be constructed, while the existing public toilet block will be upgraded to be all-inclusive and compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Work is set to start mid-August on repurposing the exiting amenity building at 10 Delicia Road to make it accessible to people with disability.
The upgraded design will transform the internal layout of the current structure to include one fully disability-compliant unisex cubicle, one ambulant unisex cubicle and one additional standard unisex cubicle.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said the reconfiguration not only addressed the community’s concerns about the lack of a Disability Discrimination Act-compliant toilet in Mapleton, but also increased the overall capacity of the facility.
“This is a timely enhancement with the upcoming half-court facility expected to boost park visitation,” Cr Law said.
“In addition, council will construct a formalised, accessible pathway linking the sealed car park to the amenity building, ensuring safe and inclusive access for all members of our community.”
The $350,000 project is anticipated to be completed by December.
Construction is also set to begin mid-August on the new half-court for basketball, netball and pickleball.
“During November last year we asked our community to share their interest and feedback on a basketball and netball half-court in Lilyponds,” Cr Law said.
“Feedback was positive, with 87 per cent of respondents expressing very strong support for the half-court and 81 per cent supporting the location at the active youth zone to the south of the skate park and west of the existing playground.
“In the feedback, residents asked for pickleball to be included and I’m really pleased to share that pickleball line marking will also be added to the court.
“We’re investing $130,000 into what is going to be a great recreational space and meeting place for our community to enjoy.”
Construction of the half-court is expected to completed by late October.
The skate park and playground will remain open throughout the works, with some pedestrian detours in place.
The site car park will have slightly fewer spaces to ensure safety during construction.
Works will include installing the hoops in the concrete half-court, sandstone retaining walls and seating.
