After a couple of weeks park hopping with the kids over school holidays, now is the time for Townsville locals to have their say on four popular suburban parks across the city ahead of their renewal.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said public consultation was a crucial part of Townsville City Council's park and playground renewal program.
"We know outdoor play and having things to keep the kids busy and engaged around our suburbs is a must in north Queensland," Cr Greaney said.
"With more than 300 parks and playgrounds across the city there is always assets that need renewal or replacement, which is why we run these consultations to find out what the local residents who use them really want."
The playground renewal public consultations include playgrounds in four locations across the city, such as Toolakea Park, Freemason's Park in Pallarenda, Charlotte Park in Aitkenvale and Reana Park in Kirwan.
Councillor Greaney said Council wanted to know the most popular times people use the playgrounds, what they like about them and what potential improvements could be made around the playground the park's broader use.
"Great open spaces are critical for an active and healthy community – so we want to make sure we're planning and building fun, welcoming and comfortable environments as Townsville grows," she said.
"Pending public feedback, a renewal may include a re-design of the current playground layout, new equipment or improving the park's function and amenity.
"The data we get from our community will be used when these parks undergo renewal in the coming months and years.
"It's valuable that our community have their say on how money is invested, and we're seeing great engagement – with more than 1500 responses on our Rockpool redevelopment and 761 responses for the recent Sister Kenny Toddler Park Playground consultation.
"We want people to let us know what they value most, so please jump online or head down to one of the onsite drop-in sessions and tell us what you love and want to see most."
Council's Have your Say team will be holding drop-in sessions at each park undergoing public consultation.
Current playground renewal consultations close:
- Toolakea Park, Toolakea – 17 October
- Freemason's Park, Pallarenda – 24 October
- Charlotte Park, Aitkenvale - 31 October
- Reana Park, Kirwan - 21 November
