Day set to discuss future of Lake Ellen playground

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Lake Ellen Playground
The Lake Ellen Heritage Hub playground and park is a popular play location for children of all ages

It’s the playground the community built and now residents are being asked to provide their feedback on the future of the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground.

A consultation day will be held on March 19 where residents can speak with project managers ahead of a survey about the park’s redevelopment being released.

Opened in 2008, the popular local playground adjoining Baldwin Swamp and Lake Ellen was funded by all levels of government and a significant fundraising effort led by the community.

It currently features a large playground with elements suited to a range of ages, a network of bike tracks and a Liberty Swing, designed for wheelchairs.

The Hub also includes a large shelter with plenty of tables making this area a popular park for families and children, and it is often used for children’s parties and family barbecues.

Bundaberg Regional Council Parks and Gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the park and playground facilities had been identified as being in need of an upgrade.

“For almost 15 years these wonderful facilities have served the community well, offering hours of enjoyment to families and children of all ages and abilities,” Cr Honor said.

“The current facilities are nearing the end of their useful life so we’re starting the consultation process now to create a plan for its replacement when the time does come.”

But in terms of exactly what the existing facilities will be replaced with, Cr Honor said Council wanted to hear from the community.

“We’re keen to honour the legacy of this community-led initiative by incorporating the feedback of locals into future plans for the area.

“We are asking the community to consider how they would like to use this space into the future and the types of facilities and equipment they’d like to see available.

“Council recently undertook a similar consultation process with the redevelopment of Boreham Park and we have all seen what wonderful outcomes have been achieved there when residents and Council worked together.

“Following feedback from the community Council will then develop concept plans for the new-look Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground.”

Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground consultation day

WHEN: 9am – 12pm on Saturday 19 March 2022

WHERE: Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground, East Bundaberg

WHAT: Council invites residents to have their say and ensure the future of Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Park and Playground is guided by the community’s needs and vision.

In addition to completing a survey, residents will be able to speak to Council staff and consultants about the project, as well provide feedback on their vision for the space through a number of consultation activities for children and adults.

Lake Ellen Playground
Residents with ideas for the future of Lake Ellen Heritage Hub playground and park are encouraged to attend a consultation day on March 19 2022

Survey to be released following consultation day

Following the consultation day, the survey will be released to the community.

For more information about the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground upgrade and to receive project updates, head to the project page at ourbundabergregion.com.au.

Paper copies of the survey will be made available from March 21 at any Council service centre, by calling 1300 883 699 or by emailing engagement@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.

Submissions will close on Sunday 10 April and paper copies of the survey should be returned to Council by Friday 8 April.