Rockhampton Regional Council today celebrated the official opening of the new playground on Springfield Drive, Norman Gardens – John Broad Park - honouring the late Councillor for his decades of service to the Region.
John Broad was an active member of the community, serving as the President and Secretary for AFL Capricornia, Rockhampton Panthers and the Capricornia Junior AFL for more than two decades.
He was also a dedicated Councillor, first elected in 1982 - the same year as fellow Councillor Jim Webber – serving until 1990 and then again from 2000-2008.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said John was a friend, a mentor and colleague.
"When I think back one of the things I value most about our friendship was having him there at the start of my time on Council, to bounce ideas off and learn how to achieve things for the community.
"John was a big figure who put his heart and soul into everything he did, particularly improving our local parks and sporting facilities."
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the official opening was a fitting tribute to a man she had known for more than 40 years.
"John was deeply passionate about the things he cared about — especially sport and improving life for people in our region," Cr Rutherford said.
"As the Chairman of Parks, Cr Broad worked closely with then Director of Parks, Tom Wyatt, to change the face of Rockhampton through landscaping and beautification, development of recreational and sporting spaces as well as establishing the Heritage Village and many other projects," said Cr Rutherford.
His widow, Dot Broad, said naming the park after her late husband was a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
"John was a great lover of sport. He created the City Games back in the 1980s, which were very successful," Mrs Broad said.
"His main passion was improving sporting grounds and facilities. When he first joined Council, many fields were dusty and dry — he worked hard to get irrigation installed so they could be properly used."
During his time on Council, Mr Broad also played a key role in the development of Kershaw Gardens and the Japanese Gardens, and was actively involved in running the Rockhampton Show for numerous years.
He also helped bring chimpanzees to the Rockhampton Zoo.
"He worked tirelessly for his division, often helping residents directly — even cleaning gutters or delivering food during floods," Mrs Broad said.
"Back then, there were no mobile phones, so our home phone rang day and night, but he was always available to help."
He was a dedicated advocate for the Berserker area and left a lasting legacy through his commitment to community and sport.
John Broad Park has been open to the community since July 2025 with a shade structure added in November as part of the staged delivery of the project.
"We hope the park will continue to provide fun and family time for years to come, a place where the neighbourhood can come together – a fitting dedication for a man who worked tirelessly for our community for so many years," said Cr Rutherford.
