Progress on Botanic Gardens Playground

Published on 04 January 2023

Progress on the Botanic Gardens Playground - December 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council is gearing up for the opening of a new playground in the new year at the much-loved Botanic Gardens.

The previous playground has been fully removed and elements of the new playground have started to be installed along with new sandstone retaining and concrete pathways.

Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke said the playground is thanks to $1.4 million in funding through Palaszczuk Government’s Works for Queensland program.

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in Rocky and our amazing lifestyle,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“This $1.4 million investment in our iconic Botanic Gardens will bring more local families and tourists alike to the Gardens.

“The new playground will be an iconic feature of Rocky’s landscape, and will be much loved by our region’s children.

“This is all part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to improving our already fantastic lifestyle.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams was pleased to see the playground taking shape.

“Different elements of the playground including the climbing towers and slides have already been installed which is really exciting to see,” Mayor Williams said.

“The playground will also feature play elements inspired by our very own zoo animals, such as Ernie the Dingo, who will take pride of place in the playground standing at 4.6 metres in height.

“The dingo play feature is currently being manufactured and is due to arrive in February 2023.”

Parks Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the playground will be open early this year.

“Although we had hoped the playground would open before Christmas, unfortunately this has been pushed back due to unavoidable supply chain delays and heavy rainfall,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Building this playground has also been a delicate operation to ensure the construction does not impact the wellbeing of the magnificent trees in the heritage listed Gardens.

“A number of design tweaks have been necessary, and we have also increased the amount of soft fall throughout the playground which means even more of the playground will be accessible for children of all abilities.

“The playground is scheduled to open in March this year and I know it is going to be well worth the wait.”