Gold Coast City Council share plans to upgrade Winders Park next to Currumbin Creek
Gold Coast locals are divided over a potential upgrade to one of the most used parks in the city’s south, with some saying they “can’t stand the idea” of the proposed plans.
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Gold Coast locals are divided over a potential upgrade to Winders Park, one of the most used parks in the city’s south, with some saying they “can’t stand the idea” of the proposed plans.
Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) released plans for a proposed upgrade to the park, which stretches along Currumbin Creek in Currumbin.
The new upgrade would remove the ring road and transform the space into a pedestrian-friendly park.
Other proposed upgrades included: better public toilets, new playgrounds, picnic and BBQ facilities and creek edge upgrades.
Division 14 councillor Gail O’Neill called for residents to “have your say” about the proposed changes.
“We’re planning improvements to enhance safety, open space, and the overall park experience at this much-loved spot along Currumbin Creek,” she said.
“Most of the current facilities are nearing the end of their life and need upgrading.
“This popular park has been identified for upgrading over the last years as our population continues to grow.
“The ring road will be removed to expand open space and improve pedestrian safety – but don’t worry, there’s no net loss of parking, and the boat ramp stays, with new trailer parking in the design.”
Ms O’Neill said she had first raised the idea to increase safety around the ring road, which currently has no pathway.
“That saw the road being resurfaced, made one way, bollarding creek bed side and only having parking on one side of the road,” she said.
“This has worked quite well to date but it is obvious that 95-98% of pedestrians walk on the road through the park not on the footpath alongside Duringan Street.
“Pedestrian and cycle numbers will no doubt increase further so safety is a paramount issue.”
Submissions for the ‘have your say’ period close on July 21 and construction was expected to begin in 2027.
Local Cass Lang said the park did not need an upgrade and she “couldn’t stand the idea” of the new space.
“I drive, park, walk and ride around here, bring my son here to play, fish and swim,” she said.
“We love the fact it’s untouched and such a great, big open space for playing, picnics and sitting with old school, simple playgrounds.
“Such a shame they want to change the way it is.”
Other residents said they were normally “against” upgrades, but were supportive of making the “necessary” changes.
“This one kind of makes sense if I’m understanding it right,” Lucille Carroll said.
“They just want to move that internal road/car park thing out of the way so the waterfront space is available for people to use rather than cars to sit on, or am I looking at it wrong?”
Another local added: “Build it! Sick of people complaining about change. Makes you think why Australia is 20 years behind the rest!”
Stephen Burgess said he hoped the removal of the ring road would mean less illegal campers taking up residency along the strip.
“Less campers living in prime location for free sounds good. More usable park along the water and not losing any parking,” he said.
“Upgraded toilets also a win.”
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Originally published as Gold Coast City Council share plans to upgrade Winders Park next to Currumbin Creek
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