THORNLANDS Community Park opens on Saturday in time for school holidays and days after Redland City Council revealed it would spend more than $31 million on city's parks, conservation and sports areas.
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It builds on a multi-million-dollar program of park and playground upgrades in the city in recent years and follows the acquisition of strategic land for community use, including the former Commonwealth land at Birkdale, historic Willard's Farm, the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct at Mt Cotton and the former Department of Primary Industries land at Alexandra Hills.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland City budget included $13.8 million for improving popular community parks and sports fields.
"Simply maintaining our parks - mowing and cleaning to keep them in tip top shape and safe - will take the total investment to $30.2 million in 2020-21, while fire mitigation alone costs almost $2 million," she said.
Cr Williams said the commitment in this year's budget followed more than $3.5 million in park upgrades set to open in the coming week.
"I know Redlanders love their parks and they will have a whole lot more reason to love them with upgraded parks including Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston that opens mid next week; and Apex Park at Wellington Point," Cr Williams said.
Cr Williams said council was also committed to supporting sports groups, with major renewal projects planned.
"We also have earmarked $612,000 to progress the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct proposal for Heinemann Road, Mount Cotton," Cr Williams said.
The masterplan for this new multi-million-dollar regional sport and recreation precinct has been approved, with the project implemented in stages.
"With our sports group particularly hard hit by measures to keep COVID-19 at bay, we have already moved quickly to provide them with access to a $50,000 operational funding pool from last year's budget to help them continue supporting the local community.
"Council is also continuing to work with any clubs suffering financial hardship to ensure they are supported through COVID-19," she said.
Major parks and sportsground projects:
Hanover Drive Park upgrade, Alexandra Hills - $1.6 million
Apex Park renewal, Wellington Point - $1.3 million
Headland Park upgrade, Point Lookout - $1.1 million
Thornlands Community Park stage 2B - $996,000
William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield renewal, Thorneside - $827,000
Charlie Buckler Sportsfield carpark renewal and expansion - $800,000
Raby Esplanade Park stage 2 - $777,000
Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct - $612,000
