New play space for Kelso

Date: Friday, 21st August 2009

Residents in the Upper Ross area now have an upgraded park to enjoy following the redevelopment of Charles Moroney Park off Hammond Way, Kelso.

A community morning tea will be held this Sunday, 23 August at 10.30am, with face painting and playground activities available for children. Townsville City Council has extended an open invitation to the public.

The redevelopment of Charles Moroney Park is part of the larger Upper Ross Open Space development project which developed master plans for 17 open spaces and parks in the Upper Ross Community Renewal zone. Charles Moroney Park is one of two spaces in Kelso to be selected for an upgrade.

Construction on the park began in May and was completed less than two months later in July.

The Queensland Government’s Community Renewal program contributed $285,000 towards the redevelopment, with a further $272,000 provided by the council.

Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace and Kelso area councillor Cr Jenny Lane will attend the celebration.

“Through community consultation, Charles Moroney Park was identified as the park with the biggest need for a facelift within the local area,” Mr Wallace said.

“The intention was to open up the park to create a family-friendly play space that captures children’s imaginations, while encouraging them to participate in healthy activity.”

Cr Lane said the park now fulfilled the expectations and needs of the local community.

“Shelters and trees have been installed near the football fields to provide shade facilities, as requested by the community,” she said.

“The play area uses cleverly placed items to allow children to explore a larger space and get active through play. The revamped park has new amenities, picnic shelters, two picnic settings, a water bubbler, stepper pathway, dry creek bed and landscaping.”

The public is welcomed to the event on Sunday morning.