Mount Alford school students hands-on with new playground

Design drawings of the new playground equipment at Bowman Park, works starting in early June (shade structure not shown).

In June, Scenic Rim Regional Council will commence the installation of a new playground at Bowman Park in Mount Alford.

As part of the project, Council asked students from Mount Alford State School to describe the Scenic Rim for new playground signs and they wrote, "My Scenic Rim is a wonderful place, its beauty is rich in wildlife, mountain views, friendly people and not a single piece of rubbish".

When asked to describe their school, which was built in 1888, the students wrote, "Mount Alford State School is an amazing place to try your best, learn, make friends and grow".

Mount Alford State School Principal Danny Laegel said the students have loved being part of Council's playground upgrade project and are excited to watch the new equipment being installed.

"Bowman Park is Mount Alford's central meeting place for families, it's our play space weekday afternoons and it's where our community hosts birthday parties on weekends," he said.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government, through the extension of the Drought Communities Programme.

Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz said that Mount Alford farming families were hit hard by drought, as were the local businesses, an upgrade to the playground will have a long-lasting benefit for locals and visitors.

“As the Federal Member, I know how hard farming communities like Mount Alford have suffered through the drought, that’s why I took up the challenge to advocate for the extension of the Drought Communities Programme in Canberra, and it is fantastic to see local projects like this underway.

"Not only does it lift spirits and meet the needs of this growing community; it also gives visitors another reason to stop in Mount Alford and support local hospitality businesses," he said.

Works will commence in June and is part of Council's ongoing commitment to developing vibrant towns and villages and supports its Playground Strategy.

Division 5 Councillor Marshall Chalk said the park was designed in collaboration with Council’s access and disabilities industry experts and due to its proximity to local businesses it will cater for a variety of ages.

"Importantly, the play space will be shaded by a large shade structure and the height of the bird's nest seat allows for easy transfer from a wheelchair or walker," he said.

"In addition to writing the signs about their school and the Scenic Rim, we invited Mount Alford students to participate in a colouring-in competition with pictures of outdoor activities in the Scenic Rim.

"Some of those pictures will feature in a customised game board that encourages children to find the matching outdoor activity medallions hidden throughout the playground, and by having the local students involved, it gives them a sense of belonging," Cr Chalk said.

New playground equipment at Bowman Park will include a tower, three-dimensional yard net; sensory and manipulative play panels; and a three bay swing, with a toddler seat, classic swing seat and a bird's nest seat.

The playground will be closed for the duration of the works with onsite signage. The majority of works will be undertaken between the hours of 7am and 5pm. Some activities may be undertaken outside these hours to accelerate the completion of the works.

Council acknowledges there may be a level of inconvenience to park users, business owners, pedestrians and motorists while these works are being undertaken. Within stages of the project some parking will be restricted, however, every endeavour will be made to minimise disruption.

Any enquiries regarding the work should be directed to Council on 07 5540 5111 or mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au quoting 'Bowman Park Playground Project'.