Designs released for Kershaw's exciting centrepiece

Published on 10 April 2018

The designs for the grand centrepiece of the soon to be opened Kershaw Gardens revitalisation have been unveiled today with Council voting to name it after the creator of Kershaw Gardens.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow today announced the giant, domed play structure would be named in honour of Tom Wyatt, a former Curator, Parks Director and Councillor who designed and developed Kershaw Gardens.   

“Tom was instrumental in setting up Kershaw Gardens so Council thought it was only appropriate to honour his name as part of this new redevelopment, and in particular, this stand out attraction - Wyatt’s Wonder Web,” Mayor Strelow said.

“We would have loved it to remain the native botanic gardens that Tom and former Mayor Jim Webber envisaged it to be, however Cyclone Marcia made new plans for us.

“We now have a beautiful open space that our community has come to love and we are proud to attribute a piece of this to Tom Wyatt’s vision and passion.”  

Originally designed for New York’s Central Park, Wyatt’s Wonder Web includes five levels of play for kids and adults too. Standing at nine metres high, kids will enjoy climbing through various obstacles including climbing ropes, ladders, tunnels, three slides and swinging hammocks on the top level.

In collaboration with award-winning playground designers, Urban Play, this world-first Super Sphere play structure pushes the boundaries of playground design and innovation.

Managing Director of Urban Play, Ben Urban, stated, “This is a really exciting project for Rockhampton, not only are they setting the benchmark in play on a national scale, but also a global scale with the world-first Super Sphere."

"A major part of the design encourages kids of all ages to get outside, get active and challenge themselves. The beauty of this playground is that parents can too challenge themselves and get involved in active play with their kids," Mr Urban said.

State Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, said the Queensland Government was proud to invest $5million from its Building our Region's program towards important community infrastructure.

“This feature piece of equipment at Kershaw Gardens will make this playground really stand out and it’s great to see Tom Wyatt being honoured for his long contribution to our community,” Mr O’Rourke said.

This year marks 30 years since Tom Wyatt officially opened Kershaw Gardens to the public in 1988.

Wyatt’s Wonder Web is expected to be completed this month, and will officially open to the public with the remainder of the Kershaw Gardens redevelopment in winter.