Nature is at the heart of a stunning multi-stage $6.4 million upgrade of Alexander Clark Park in Loganholme.
A giant koala climbing tower and slide is the eye-catching centrepiece of the new playground while other attractions include imagination-inspiring sculptures of a platypus, a baby koala and a glossy black cockatoo.
Nearby is the Big Timber swing and flying fox along with an inground trampoline, log steppers, a refurbished swing, an all-abilities spinner and a hammock.
The existing water play area has been given a makeover with new misting totems, hand pumps, cloud stones, new shade sails and a water channel that winds through boulders and sand-blasted images of water creatures.
In a further nod to nature, a new sensory garden has been filled with plants to attract endangered birdwing and blue tiger butterflies.
The project was funded by the Division 10 Local Infrastructure Program along with Council's Major Parks and Asset Replacement Programs and a Logan City Council Budget service enhancement.
Division 10 Councillor Miriam Stemp said the upgrade's nature theme complements the park's towering Moreton Bay figs, koala habitats and natural bushland flanked by the Logan River.
"There is so much inspiration that will stimulate young imaginations while also educating them about the environment," Cr Stemp said.
"In addition to that, there's something for everyone of all ages and abilities that will ensure a visit to Alexander Clark Park is a fun family day out."
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Council's investment in Alexander Clark Park was helping maintain the rich history of the area.
"The Clark family has been prominent in Logan for nearly 100 years, and still are, and it is fitting that the upgrade works will include a tribute to the park's history," Councillor Power said.
Lifestyle Chair Councillor Tony Hall said the works are the latest of a number of park upgrades across the city in recent weeks including Springwood Park and Mabel Park (Slacks Creek) with Riverdale Park (Meadowbrook) not far away.
"We know how important parks are to our community and our outdoor lifestyle and that's why Council is working hard to ensure we deliver these upgrades ahead of the holidays," Cr Hall said.
Cr Stemp said in addition to the new playground, the upgrade also includes maximising the potential of the park's open spaces with basketball, netball and volleyballs courts complementing the current kickaround space.
"These new courts are painted in bright colours to add another element of unexpected fun to everyone's park visit," Cr Stemp said.
There are also two bike skills circuits, bike racks and a tyre pump along with new picnic shelters and barbecues, sun lounges, upgraded seating, a drinking fountain with a bottle refill outlet and a dog water bowl.
Other future staged works at Alexander Clark Park include:
- A new sealed car park including disabled spaces and a bus parking space
- Replacement of the existing toilets with new facilities
- Park signage incorporating Braille and Auslan
- An upgrade to the park entrance
- Wildlife boxes throughout the park
- A tribute to the park's history
History:
The history of the Alexander Clark Park site and surrounding areas dates to the 1860s and involves the pioneering Oldham, Fryar and Strachan families.
Queensland parliamentarian and wealthy pastoralist James Tyson, regarded as Australia's first self-made millionaire, invested in the area from the late 1800s through to the turn of the century as did the then Sydney Morning Herald editor Edwin Wildman.
Sugar cane was abundantly farmed in the flood-prone area.
Alexander Clark was a former Albert Shire Councillor, whose family dairy farm was established in 1930 and included the current park site.
The surrounding area was turned into housing development in the 1970s (Marana Gardens - now Loganholme) with the park established in 1976 and named in memory of Alexander Clark, who passed on June 29, 1974 and is buried at the Beenleigh Cemetery.
His son Reg, and his wife Yvonne, founded what is now Clark's Logan City Bus Service.
Some of the blue gum eucalypts on the bank of the Logan River in Alexander Clark Park are believed to be more than 200 years old. Some of the large Moreton Bay fig trees in the park are more than 100 years old.
