THREE just might be the magic number with the Coolum coastal region now boasting three impressive parks with the refurbished Lions and Norrie Job Park reopened to the community just in time for the school holidays.
Along with Tickle and Jack Morgan Parks, the Lions and Norrie Job Park is a much-loved family-friendly park with great attractions for everyone and is conveniently located at the northern end of the Coolum Holiday Park and across the road from the Birtwill Street shopping precinct.
The park received a $1.6 million transformation which followed three rounds of community engagement and a community-led new landscape plan.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez was thrilled the first stage of works was completed in time for the school holidays.
“It’s exciting to see the landscape plan, which was designed with and for our people, now brought to life with these improvements that enhance all those things we already love about the park,” Cr Suarez said.
“The site is actually two parks, Coolum Lions Park and Norrie Job Park.
“Historically they were divided by an open drain that traversed the site, and a significant amount of design and planning went into connecting the parcels to provide more open space for recreation.
“What you don’t see above ground is that to facilitate the park upgrade we had to install about 70 metres of culverts under the park, to improve the site’s functionality.”
Stage one works complete
This first stage of works for the park included replacing the existing shelter, new barbecues and furniture, new fitness equipment and softfall, new pathways and pedestrian bridge, inground services, electrical infrastructure, drainage works, landscape works and signage.
“I’m grateful to those in our community who gave feedback over the past seven years to help inform the final landscape plan.
“It’s another great example of how we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.
“It’s now open for our community to enjoy, and the public amenities block is also open to use during daytime hours.”
State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP said the reinvigoration of this parkland was welcomed by local families and visitors.
“When the upgrades are finished the park will be a terrific community asset,” Mr Purdie said.
“This project is a great example of how all three levels of government have come together to meet the needs of our growing and vibrant community.”
Sunshine Coast Council provided funding of more than $1 million and proudly partnered with the Australian Government, which contributed $250,000 through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and the Queensland Government, which provided $250,000 through its Minor Infrastructure Program towards improvements to Lions Park and Norrie Job Park.
This joint partnership between all levels of government will enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities on the Sunshine Coast.
Future stages?
The timing of future stages two and three is still to be confirmed. As part of the future stages and as one of the standout ideas from the landscape plan, council is planning a pump track (designed to be used by all non-electric bicycles) for the park.
“We listened to what our community wanted, and we’ve drafted a concept plan for the pump track,” Cr Suarez said.
“It will be a fantastic addition to Lions and Norrie Job Park for our community to enjoy.”