Planning for new park was child's play

The new Memorial Park play space gets top marks from Rathdowney State School students.

School students have played a part in the upgrade of the Rathdowney Memorial Park's play space, which now caters for a range of ages and abilities.  

Joined by Scenic Rim Division 5 Councillor Marshall Chalk, Rathdowney State School students gathered last week at the memorial park for the official opening of what will become an even more popular play space for the school and wider community. 

Mayor Greg Christensen said the playground reflects the history of the town and is a drawcard for students and their families both in the mornings before school and following afternoon pick-ups. 

"This inclusive playground designed for all-abilities play has been a priority during planning of the playground upgrade, with equipment accessible from ground level,” he said. 

“This includes a play panel simulating a shop front, and an enclosed moulded plastic under-deck crawl tunnel, swing seat that encourages inclusive play by enabling the ease of transfer of a child from a wheelchair, and new interactive play panels throughout the multi-level interactive tower. 

"This creative play space for children and carers, with or without disability, will help develop physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills, and safety together. 

"Council is grateful for the Queensland Government funding which has added value to our community through this significant upgrade." 

The upgrade of the existing playground also includes a new rope crawl tube bridge, a ground-to-deck rope climbing net, a rope transition bridge and as well as a quad leap, cargo net and spider web and a new multi-level interactive tower with a four-metre tube slide. 

Cr Chalk welcomed the upgrade, which has made outdoor play even more accessible to the local community. 

"As well as boosting physical activity, which is becoming increasingly important, it's great to see children away from electronic devices and challenging themselves both physically and mentally in a safe and stimulating outdoor environment," he said. 

The Rathdowney Memorial Grounds Park Playground Upgrade is proudly funded by the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program and delivered in association with Scenic Rim Regional Council.