AusLeisure

Sunshine Coast Council has delivered playground upgrades worth approximately $380,000 to two of La Balsa Park’s playgrounds and they’re now open for the community to enjoy.

La Balsa Park, located in Harbour Parade, Buddina on the picturesque bank of the Mooloolah River, is a popular spot for picnics, barbecues and play. It features two playgrounds and an exercise area, including one that is fully fenced with a sand surface and inclusive play elements.

La Balsa Park also boasts an exercise/fitness equipment node, shelter and shade and a wheelchair-friendly pathway that continues up to Point Cartwright, making it a favourite route for joggers.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli welcomed the improvements to the popular gathering place for families and visitors, noting there were some delays due to the ongoing wet weather.

Natoli advised “with these upgrades, we're enhancing the park's appeal and ensuring it remains a safe, fun and inclusive space for everyone.

“The playground at the northern end of the park is now open for people to safely enjoy, with exciting new playground equipment, a new shade sail, rubber softfall surfacing, new fencing, new park furniture, connecting footpath and new gardens.

“New park furniture, including a picnic table at the northern playground area, will also be installed in the coming weeks.

“This fully fenced playground has a sand surface and is inclusive, featuring play elements that encourage children of all abilities to engage with one another in play and discovery.

“The new playground at the southern end of the park will be open to the public at the end of May, with new play equipment and landscaping.

“We’ll keep the temporary fencing in place at this playground for at least a week to allow the newly installed turf to establish properly.

“We’ve also installed connecting footpaths between the play areas and the picnic and barbecue facilities, making this popular park even more accessible and welcoming.

“I can't wait for our community to visit La Balsa Park and enjoy the new facilities!"

Council has delivered the playground upgrades as part of the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park Master Plan which balances the needs of community and the environment and represents a vision for the future from now until 2041.

The plan outlines improvements to pathway networks, upgraded picnic furniture and playgrounds, more shade and landscaping, realigned parking and viewing platforms.

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