Spectacular to open River Heart 2

IPSWICH'S much-anticipated riverside water park will open with a bang next month.

Stage 2 of the River Heart parklands is set to open on October 14.

IPSWICH'S much-anticipated riverside water park will open with a bang next month.

Stage 2 of the River Heart parklands will be opened with a fireworks spectacular on Sunday, October 14.

The $7 million parklands, perched on a high bank of the Bremer River, include a "zero depth" water park, children's play equipment and a 25m-long flying fox.

The grounds have been decorated by local artisans and artists with a number of totem poles scattered throughout the park.

The poles, carved by the Basin Pocket's SEQ Woodpeckers club, have been inspired by Ipswich's history and include depictions of convicts and redcoats as well as explorers including John Oxley and Patrick Logan.

The park has been designed by landscape architects Vee Designs.

Vee Designs architect Lauren Walsh said involving the community was a key goal when designing the project.

"We wanted local artwork which paid homage to the city's historical natural identity," she said.

"The carvings were inspired by discovery play where children are encouraged by the natural elements within the parklands to explore and create their own adventure play, as opposed to the structured play so many playgrounds provide."

Ipswich Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee chairman Cr David Morrison said work on the project was nearing completion.

"It's all happening - turf has been laid, concrete paths poured, balustrades installed and hydraulic systems commissioned, and what's great is that it will all be open in time for the school holidays," he said.

heart facts

Stage 2 of River Heart cost $7m, with $3.4m of federal funding and $3.6m from the council.

The works extended the existing parklands east to King Edward Pde.

Originally published as Spectacular to open River Heart 2