Livingstone Shire playground upgrades enhance our community spaces

The Caves Lions Bicentennial Park is set to receive some welcome additions.

Livingstone Shire Council is undertaking upgrades to the park, including a hard roof shade structure over the existing Skate Park, additional play equipment, concrete pathway, irrigation, and landscaping.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through a Central Queensland Bushfires Flexible Funding Grant.

Councillor Glenda Mather, who was involved in the preliminary discussions around the design of the park in conjunction with The Caves and District Lions Club committee, said the key priorities for this project were a result of a series of community consultations.

“Residents identified the important role a welcoming green space would play for the community, in regards to building social cohesion and strengthening connections,” Cr Mather said. 

“The park will become a central space where community led initiatives can take place at any time of the year.”

A resident of The Caves for the past 25 years and member of The Caves Playground Committee, Kristine McHugh, said the park upgrades will have a significant impact on the local community.

“The skate park will now be able to be used all day, even in the middle of summer. This, along with the upgrade to the play equipment, paths and gardens will now make this area a community hub for parents and children to meet and play,” Mrs McHugh said.  

“It will give the community a revitalisation and encourage tourists to stay a little longer in our area. Most importantly, in the event of fires or disasters, it will be a safety zone for all residents. We would like to thank Glenda Mather and Livingstone Shire Council for all of their efforts in supporting the community in this development.”

Daniel Park in Cooee Bay has also undergone some recent playground upgrades that were fully funded by Council, with the new play equipment installed last month just in time for school holidays. 

Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood, added it is important that Council provides community facilities and services like this to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, while assisting to facilitate self-sustaining community associations, clubs and volunteering. 

“Council is proud to be able to provide safe and welcoming places for people of all ages and abilities which helps to build positive community connections and resilience in our Shire,” Cr Eastwood said. 

The Caves Lions Bicentennial Park project is expected to be completed by December.