Full steam ahead on upgrades to Ooralea playground

Canecutters Drive Park in Ooralea will be home to a new playground, including a combination unit resembling a train, which pays tribute to the former Planlands Railway Station that operated in the area during the early years of Mackay.

Development Services director Aletta Nugent said Ooralea was a popular suburb for families.

“The majority of households in Ooralea are comprised of working families with children,” she said.

“Our goal is to transform this area into a place where residents can enjoy quality time with their family, teach their kids how to ride a bike and make memories that will last a lifetime.

“We will also be installing child-safety fencing around the playground for parents’ peace of mind.”

The upgrades will feature two new play units catering to children of various age groups, a large shade structure, a spring rocker, swings and a learn-to-ride bicycle track.

The existing picnic shelters and barbecue facilities will be retained and a new drinking bubbler will be installed. Care has also been taken to keep as many of the existing trees as possible, with more trees to be planted around the play space to provide additional shade.

Construction is scheduled to start on January 18, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed by mid-March. Work will be conducted between 6.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Residents are advised that the north-western portion of the park, currently containing the old playground, will be closed to the public for the duration of the project’s construction and some noise and dust disturbance is expected.