Work progresses on $728k upgrade to Lake Annand

The facelift comes with more play equipment, a new-look barbecue area and better accessibility of children with disability.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has started work on a $728,000 upgrade to Lake Annand Park.

WORK is progressing on a $728,000 upgrade to Lake Annand Park that will improve disability access.

The project, which is planned to be complete by the end of June, includes shade sails placed over the existing play area and an upgrade to the paths connecting to the all-access swings.

Toowoomba Regional Council workers will relocate the barbecues and dining tables to create more centralised, updated facilities, including installing bike racks.

They will plant new trees along the walkway and construct new equipment in the existing playground.

The work is part of a longer-term plan for the park which aims to add more capacity at the Bright Street carpark and build a new carpark off Long Street.

There are plans to construct a new skate bowl which will include junior skate and scooter tracks.

Over time the council’s Parks and Garden’s team will plant new trees, shrub and flower species to highlight the park’s ‘New Zealand’ theme.

While work is progressing on the planned upgrade, the council was unable to confirm when the park’s toilets would be repaired after they were torched on May 24.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have completed fire investigations at the main amenities block at Lake Annand,” parks and recreation services portfolio leader councillor Tim McMahon said.

“The newly constructed toilet facilities suffered extensive damage, particularly to the roof structures, and are unsuitable for public use.”

The council is waiting on an insurance assessment, but in the meantime it placed portaloos at the site.

There is no excuse for vandalising public or private property,” Mr McMahon said.

“This incident is a cost and inconvenience to the public, which must be borne by ratepayers.”