Gold Coast Parklands transformation to cater for future suburban growth

The City of Gold Coast has unveiled a $2.8 million upgrade to its Country Paradise Parklands featuring an Australiana-themed adventure playground.

Now complete and open to the public, project works commenced in May 2020 and involved the transformation of half a hectare of surrounding parklands into picnic areas with barbecue facilities.

Speaking at yesterday's opening of the playground, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the project catered to the recreational needs of the growing population in Nerang, commenting "residents of Nerang now have a world-class adventure playground and picnic facilities right on their doorstep.

“The design of the playground is particularly impressive because it pays homage to the site’s history and caters for children of all ages and abilities.

“The population of Nerang is forecast to double over the next 20 years, so it is important that our infrastructure reflects the projected population growth.

“The transformation of these parklands is a prime example of the City’s continued investment in the green behind the gold.”

The playground design captures the local character of the surrounding country and farm with features including an 11-metre-high windmill and water tank tower, creek bed water-play facilities, and a toddler farm play area with a tractor climbing structure.

Upgrades have also been made to public amenities, footpaths, and car parking - which has doubled to over 100 spaces.

Gold Coast Divisional Councillor Peter Young invited the public to explore the new parklands at a community open day on Saturday 20th February, where there will be additional activities for the kids, entertainment and food trucks on the day.

Councillor Young noted “this project has been a labour of love for me and I am so excited to see this amazing playground is now a reality.

“It is definitely time to celebrate this great new asset for the Nerang community and I would love everyone to get down here on Saturday to enjoy this exciting and very Australian play space. ”

Country Paradise Parklands is a community-managed space covering 12 hectares in Nerang.

The site features stables and a large paddock for the Healing Hooves program, a community garden, a large hall and oval for events, a workshop for the local Men's Shed, and a kitchen for food rescue programs.

Image: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Gold Coast Divisional Councillor Peter Young at yesterday's opening of the new adventure playground. Credit: City of Gold Coast.