Douglas Shire Council have released concept designs for a proposed playground under the famous fig tree in Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas.
Council seeks public consultation for the concept. Council officers have worked with Landplan Landscape Architecture, the company behind Centenary Lakes Nature Play and Fig Tree Adventure Playground in Cairns.
The proposed playground would be built entirely in the area under the fig tree.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council wanted to build a special playground that would attract families from neighbouring regions to Port Douglas.
“We want to get feedback on this exciting concept which features rope bridges, plenty of climbing and slides to keep the children entertained for hours,” he said.
“We don’t want just any playground at Rex Smeal Park, we want something eye-catching that celebrates our region, and anyone who has spent time in Far North Queensland knows about green ants.
“Like children, green ants love climbing so we feel paying homage to this iconic ant is a creative way to encourage more visitors to enjoy our wonderful area.”
“We believe locals will love it, and it also has potential to be a landmark piece of tourism infrastructure to draw in more domestic travellers.”
Cost of Project
Until concept plans are finalised the cost is unknown however Council is looking at this as a significant investment.
Council has allocated funds in the 2021/22 budget to complete planning, consultation and preparation of final concept plans and technical specifications to have a shovel ready project by 31 December 2021.
Grant funding will be sought for the construction of the playground.
Council has allocated funding to complete detailed design and technical specifications.
With a shovel ready project, Council will be seeking grant funding for capital costs to build the facility.
Feedback is requested by 27 August 2021.
Have Your Say
Council wants to know what you think about the concept and feedback is requested by 27 August 2021. You can provide comments in several ways.
Call Council’s Community Liaison Officer Gaye Scott on 4099 9414 and provide feedback.
Written comments may be:
- Dropped off or mailed to Douglas Shire Council, 64-66 Front Street, Mossman Q 4873
- Dropped off at the Mossman Library in Mill Street, Mossman
- Dropped off to the Port Douglas Hub in Mowbray Street, Port Douglas
Or you may prefer to email comments and these can be sent to: gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au
Community Concerns
Community feedback on the proposal is addressing a wide range of issues with the concept, including:
Is this the best location for a children’s playground in the Shire?
How will it impact the natural beauty of the area?
How will the playground be impacted by wildlife such as the bats and birds that visit and live in the tree?
Is the playground inclusive of all ages and abilities?
How will it impact the weddings and events held in the direct vicinity ?
Learn More
Further information is available on Council’s website here : https://douglas.qld.gov.au/green-ant-adventure-playground-concept-released-for-consultation/
