An eye-catching and unusual playground is expected to be a major drawcard of a new-look Mooloolaba foreshore.
The final elements of the new adventure space will soon be installed at the Northern Parkland, which is the first stage of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
The Pandanus Towers and slides will complete the interactive play area, which already features a 360-degree climbing net and an extended swing set.
The playground, expected to be ready for action in late June, is designed to be a popular attraction and should encourage healthy and active play.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the towers and slides drew on natural elements and complemented the area’s local environment.
“Inspired by the vibrant seed pods of the pandanus trees native to coastal areas of Queensland, the new play equipment will include two large play pods connected by an elevated, mesh-enclosed hardwood timber balance log, and two giant tube slides,” he said.
“For the little ones there is a double toddler slide, lower cubby and climbing elements, interactive talk tubes, bongos and a noughts and crosses board.
“There is also an accessible path around the various play zones with elements to encourage social, sensory and physical play for all ages and abilities.
“This project wouldn’t be possible without Queensland Government funding and I’m pleased to see this project delivered in partnership with Murphy Builders and specialist companies Place Design Group and Fleetwood Urban.”
Fleetwood Urban director Roger Joyce said the Pandanus Towers celebrated the Sunshine Coast’s unique landscape.
“This is going to be a real signature statement piece for Mooloolaba,” he said.
“It’s a bold and exciting, with play experiences for everyone.
“When it officially opens in late June, it’s going to be a real social magnet for families, both locals and holidaymakers, with benefits that extend to the whole Sunshine Coast community.”
The new play elements echo the colours and materials of the surrounding natural environment including shades of green, grey and hardwood timber.
The towers will be positioned adjacent to the site’s existing Cotton Wood Trees and between the climbing net and the new barbecue shelters, behind the existing Mooloolaba Esplanade embankment.
A combination of shaded play elements, shade sails and planting has been incorporated to provide heat protection year-round, while a mix of sand and soft-fall matting offers added peace-of-mind for carers.
The playground is an outcome from community consultation on the 2015 Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan and is expected to deliver major economic benefit to the area.
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The full playground and Northern Parkland are set to open by the end of June (weather permitting) with a community celebration planned in early July.
Keep an eye on the Sunshine Coast Council website and social media channels for this announcement.
Visit the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation web page or subscribe to project updates at Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
The Stage One Northern Parkland was developed with the support of the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package in association with Sunshine Coast Council.
