Sunshine Coast Council is delivering what the Mapleton community has long advocated for - a renewed and inclusive public amenity at Lilyponds Park and a brand-new half court for basketball, netball and pickleball.
Once complete, the park, located at 10 Delicia Road, will be even more welcoming and enjoyable for all.
A win for the whole community
Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said that following extensive community engagement and thoughtful planning, Council had worked to respond to the community's call for improved accessibility and enhanced facilities at Lilyponds Park.
The result is a smart, sustainable solution that meets the needs of all park users - repurposing the existing amenity building, which remains in excellent condition.
"We listened and collaborated with the Mapleton community for the best way forward," Cr Law said.
"We are delivering a solution that respects the existing infrastructure while embracing the values of accessibility, inclusion and active recreation.
"This is a big win for everyone in our community.
"It's a great example of how we're working together to create vibrant, inclusive spaces for everyone."
A smarter, more inclusive upgrade
The upgraded design will transform the internal layout of the current structure to include one fully compliant People with Disability (PWD) unisex cubicle, one ambulant unisex cubicle and one additional standard unisex cubicle.
Cr Law said this innovative reconfiguration not only addressed the community's concerns about the lack of a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant toilet in Mapleton, it also increases the overall capacity of the facility.
"This is a timely enhancement with the upcoming half-court facility expected to boost park visitation," Cr Law said.
"In addition, Council will construct a formalised, accessible pathway linking the sealed car park to the amenity building, ensuring safe and inclusive access for all members of our community."
The design for the public amenity upgrade is scheduled to be finalised this month (July 2025).
The $350,000 project is planned to start in mid-August 2025 with completion by December 2025, weather permitting.
New half court set to boost park fun
Cr Law welcomed the start of construction for the new half court, following community engagement confirming the community's support for the project.
"During November last year we asked our community to share their interest and feedback on a basketball and netball half court in Lilyponds," Cr Law said.
"Feedback was positive, with 87 per cent of respondents expressing very strong support for the half court and 81 per cent supporting the location at the active youth zone to the south of the skate park and west of the existing playground.
"In the feedback, residents asked for pickleball to be included and I'm really pleased to share that pickleball line marking will also be added to the court.
"We're investing $130,000 into what is going to be a great recreational space and meeting place for our community to enjoy."
Works on the new half court facility are expected to start in early August 2025 and continue through to late October 2025, weather permitting.
The skate park and playground will remain open throughout the works, with some pedestrian detours in place.
The site carpark will have slightly fewer spaces to ensure safety during construction.
Works will include installing the concrete basketball/netball half court with hoops, installing sandstone retaining walls and seating.
Sunshine Coast Council is committed to working hand-in-hand with local communities to create public spaces that are welcoming, functional and future-ready.
