BMX tracks, beach play areas promised as Lord Mayor Schrinner promises $100m parks upgrade

Brisbane’s most popular parks would be upgraded to the tune of $100 million in a massive election pledge from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to deliver the city’s biggest ever green-space revamp.

BRISBANE’S most popular parks would be upgraded to the tune of $100 million in a massive election pledge from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to deliver the city’s biggest ever green-space revamp.

The Sunday Mail can reveal the commitment will include new BMX tracks, beach-themed play areas, super-sized playgrounds as well as brand new sports facilities.

Cr Schrinner said his team wanted to ensure families had even more options to get their children active outdoors.

The parks package will feature a $35 million investment to transform the Nudgee Recreation Reserve into a district sports park, complete with new football, cricket and soccer fields, a clubhouse and parking facilities.

Nyanda Cultural Tours at Nudgee Waterholes.

Another $6 million would be spent on a cycling themed park at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, which would include a BMX pump track and a learn-to-ride facility.

A re-elected LNP administration would also make a $30 million investment at Downey Park in Windsor to build a new multi-level carpark, with a synthetic hockey field on top, in a bid to relieve parking pressures for locals.

Another $3.25 million would be spent building “signature playgrounds” in parks across Brisbane’s suburbs, such as Gus Davies Park at Bald Hills and Major Drive Park at Rochedale.

Gus Davies Park off Charlock St, Bald Hills. Picture: Michelle Smith

Cr Schrinner said the upgrades would provide new recreational areas and activities for families to enjoy that “won’t cost them a thing”.

“Parks, playgrounds, reserves, walking trails, river hubs and dog off-leash areas are all examples of how we are going to make Brisbane even better,” he said.

“I know they will be memorable places to play for many residents, their children and visitors. I have four young children myself, so I know the importance of having options for the family to get out and stay healthy.”

Downey Park traffic madness on Saturday mornings. Picture: AAP Image/Renae Droop

Bradbury Park at Kedron and Chermside would be also be upgraded under the plan with a $6 million nature play area, while $2 million would be spent on a beach-themed play area at the Colmslie Beach Reserve.

A new sports field for cricket and a clubhouse would be built at Wally Tate Park at Kuraby as part of a $14 million commitment.

Half a million dollars would be spent developing a plan to upgrade the Brighton Foreshore, as well as another $500,000 to improve the Heathwood District Park toilet and change facilities.

“Together, all these projects will help bring more life to our suburbs by creating more to see and do for residents while also delivering new, iconic places for people to make memories,” Cr Schrinner said.

$2 million would be spent on a beach-themed play area at the Colmslie Beach Reserve.

NEW ‘SIGNATURE PLAYGROUNDS’:

Thrush Street Park, Inala ($1 million)

Major Drive Park, Rochedale ($750,000)

Fallon Park, Everton Park ($500,000)

Gus Davies Park, Bald Hills ($250,000)

Keralgerie Park, Morningside ($200,000)

PARKS TO BENEFIT FROM UPGRADES:

Downey Park ($30 million)

Bradbury Park ($6 million)

Murarrie Recreation Reserve ($6 million)

Grinstead Park, Shand Street Park, Corbett Park ($5 million)

Colmslie Beach Reserve ($2 million)

Brighton Foreshore ($500,000)

Nudgee Waterholes ($500,000)