A bold community vision for Harald Falge Park in Manunda is taking shape with two new playgrounds installed, a multi-purpose sporting court finalised, and new pathways, toilet block, lighting and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the way.
Division 7 Councillor Max O'Halloran said the $500,000 Stage 1 works were part of the Harald Falge Park Improvement Plan, a community-driven plan to create an inclusive, safe and welcoming space with a wide range of recreational opportunities for all ages and cultures, particularly young people.
"Harald Falge Park is already a beautiful community space – it has mature, large trees that provide shade, existing sealed off-street parking, paths, lighting and CCTV – so we are working from a good base," Cr O'Halloran said.
"While the park has been generally well used during the daytime, we could see a lot of potential to enhance the space to make it safer and more inviting through good design.
"As part of preparing the Harald Falge Park Improvement Plan, we spoke with the community, Traditional Owners, Queensland Police Service, and invited local school children to draw their visions and ideas for the park.
"There was a lot of interest and input from the community, including 109 responses to a community survey, which we have used to prioritise the planning.
Cr O'Halloran said the park was the biggest public open space for a large and culturally-diverse part of Cairns, taking in the suburbs of Manoora, Mooroobool, Manunda and Westcourt.
"With the recent replacement of older park equipment through installation of two new playgrounds and the addition of a multicourt, we are already seeing the park being used by more people of all ages to come together, exercise, meet friends and play," Cr O'Halloran said.
"The multicourt has been particularly popular and the new location for the play equipment has freed up space in the middle of the park for the possible addition of an event space in future years."
Cr O'Halloran and Division 5 Councillor Cr Amy Eden, whose division borders the park, both supported the multicourt project through the allocation of discretional funds last financial year.
Works will soon start to replace an ageing toilet block and locate a new one at the western side of the park, closer to the car parking and multi court, which will free-up space in the middle of the park for community gatherings and events.
As part of the toilet block project, CCTV, sealed pathway access and improved lighting will be installed.
The existing unfenced dog off-leash area will also be upgraded by the end of the 2022-23 financial year to include new fencing, signage, bins, seats, water fountains and doggy bags to make the space safer and more accessible for all.
