Brisbane’s $10 million playground at Northshore Hamilton attracts complaints from parents

January 28, 2020

The newly opened Hercules Street Park in Brisbane has attracted complaints from parents since its official opening on 10th January.

Refurbished at a reported cost of $10 million refurbishment, the playground is part of Northshore Hamilton - Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal project.

Speaking at the opening of the playground earlier this month, Queensland Minister for State Development, Cameron Dick noted “upgrading Hercules Street Park is part of the (Queensland) Government’s greater Northshore redevelopment initiative to transform the former industrial and port precinct into an iconic Brisbane waterfront destination.”

However, according to The Courier Mail, parents have complained that the heat generated from the playground’s metal slides is sufficient to have burnt their children as the area is not completely covered by shade sails. Other parents describe an inadequate surface for children to land on when coming off the slide. The slide is apparently now closed with barriers and rope cautioning children not to use it.

On its opening, Minister Dick enthused about the playground’s features noting “the playground features a multi-level industrial themed container play structure with a four-metre-high tube-slide as well as a traditional swing to cater to children of all ages and abilities.

"There is also a smart water play area that features synchronised programs and lighting at night to create a family-friendly space.

“The water used in this smart water play area is captured and stored in tanks and reticulated into the gardens at the park.”

However, the fixed shade sails reportedly only cover half of the built playground, with limited to no shade covering either the slides in question or the adjacent water play area. Some parents have also highlighted that only one table is undercover leaving adults to sit in the sun while their children played.

Following this feedback from concerned parents, Minister Dick is now reviewing the park's operation and has advised that solutions are being sought for the raised issues and plans on installing new shade structures.

At the opening of the park, Minister Dick noted “there has been considerable effort made to enhance the green space at Hercules Street Park with 16,000 new plants and the relocation of a number of original trees within the park.

“This wonderful new park offers activities and space for every member of community, including a ‘pup’-graded off-leash area to cater for dogs big and small."

6th December 2019 - Brisbane City Council looks for Riverstage management partnership

30th October 2019 - PLA presents national awards for excellence in parks, playgrounds and facilities

4th April 2019 - Upgrades announced for Darwin playgrounds

27th March 2019 - Futura Form launches golf-themed playgrounds

6th February 2019 - Climate change set to impact Australia’s summer sporting calendar

20th January 2019 - Western Sydney University scientist creates star rating for playground heat performance

28th December 2018 - Heatwave sees cities and regions approach record temperatures

10th November 2018 - Toddler suffers severe burns to feet after stepping on metal plate in Ipswich park

10th April 2018 - NSW Government commits to opening school sports fields and playgrounds for community use

8th March 2018 - Port Hedland parks to turn into Fantasy Playgrounds

11th February 2018 - Canberra mother calls for parents’ facilities at playgrounds

10th February 2018 - Queensland tourism operators committed to tackling climate change issues

9th February 2018 - Climate change threatening Australian tourism

23rd January 2018 - Study identifies need for more shade cover in Wellington playgrounds

25th March 2017 - Bayside Council moves to provide innovative playgrounds

20th January 2016 - Auckland mother starts campaign for more shade at playgrounds

16th January 2014 - Climate Council: Australian heatwaves more frequent, hotter and longer

19th April 2011 - Brisbane City Council introduces ‘access for all’ play policy

12th February 2010 - Colmslie Pool Set For Mid Year Opening

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.