Kingston's Eridani Park may take its name from a celestial constellation but the latest upgrade by Logan City Council is very much down-to-earth.
Features include a dry creek bed and nature play area along with boulders, stepping stones and logs to climb and balance on.
There's also a new basket swing and flying fox, water play pumps, a fitness station and a court for volleyball and takraw, a kicking version of volleyball that's popular in Asia.
A bike skills track and scooter trail are under construction while a new picnic shelter, a new toilet block, accessible parking and extensive landscaping have also been added. Safety cameras monitor the park and nearby streets 24/7.
The $1.7 million project was covered by grants and $411,000 in Division 2 Local Infrastructure Program funding.
Division 2 Councillor Teresa Lane said the upgrade was an instant hit.
"We've kept the existing playground and added heaps of new features that have received a giant thumbs up from everyone in the local community," Cr Lane said.
"Whether it's the playground, the nature play area or the basketball court, this is free local fun for families and visitors."
Local resident Mary Pauga, who has lived across the road from Eridani Park for 33 years, said she had never seen the park looking so good.
"It is free and convenient fun for all the local kids including my grandchildren," Mary said.
"Previously, we couldn't get them out of the house but now they spend all day in the park as there is so much for them to do.
"We are very proud to have this park in our neighbourhood."
Lifestyle Chair Councillor Tony Hall said upgrades are taking shape in numerous parks across the city in an unprecedented program of works by Council.
The recent 2023/24 Budget allocated $63 million to parks, including $13 million for new and upgrade works over the next 12 months.
Other major parks works in the pipeline include:
- Alexander Clark Park (Dewar Dve, Loganholme): A $6.34 million staged upgrade includes improving the existing playground and water play area, a new play tower and zip line, an active sports area, a multi-purpose open space, additional parking and upgrades to toilet facilities and walking tracks.
- Flindersia Riverside Park (Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve): A new $4.6 million recreation park is being constructed to service the growing Logan Reserve community.
- Riverdale Park (Armstrong Road, Meadowbrook): A $2.5 million staged upgrade includes a new playground, exercise equipment, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities.
- Mabel Park (Paradise Rd, Slacks Creek): New features include a playground tower, bike skills track and misting sprays.
- Springwood Park (Cinderella Dr, Springwood): The next stage of works includes the replacement and upgrade of the internal ring road to provide additional parking and lighting.
