Gold Coast locals protest new Rainbow Bay children’s playground

Council is about to unveil the Gold Coast’s newest playground, but not everybody’s happy as locals declare war on the “eyesore”. Have your say.

A group of Rainbow Bay residents are rallying against a new playground being built on the foreshore. Picture Glenn Hampson

Residents in the southern Gold Coast idyll of Rainbow Bay have declared war on an “eyesore” they say has “obliterated” their views.

The eyesore in question? A children’s playground.

While the finishing touches are still being put on the $430,000 play area on the foreshore at Pat Fagan Park, some locals claim it is already “greatly devaluing properties and affecting resident wellbeing”.

Resident Mick Brain said they were considering organising a public rally in their quest to have it either moved or reduced in height.

The new playground at Pat Fagan Park was inspired by the surf lifesaving culture. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Brain said he spoke with “many managers and receptionists of apartment buildings, shopkeepers and residents” during a letter drop encouraging locals to email Gold Coast City Council with their concerns.

“One hundred per cent of these people were shocked and hated the new construction,” he said.

“Many expressed that a lot of their permanent residents had their view badly affected.

“We are all in favour of upgrading children’s playgrounds … but how has the original low-level, unobtrusive playground been allowed to be changed into an unsightly, three-level, (not environmentally) conscious, glaring white, red and yellow tower?

“ … It is just not in keeping with the once ambient mood of Rainbow Bay. It is loud, cheap, garish and has drastically changed the vibe. It looks like a McDonald’s store on the beach.”

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman said the playground was upgraded to “provide an inclusive space for children of all ages after the previous playground reached its end of life”.

“The design was inspired by the city’s surf lifesaving culture and coastal identity,” they said.

“The $430,000 playground includes a climbing tower, surf rescue car, surf shop, slide, a swing set, and 7m shade sails for sun safety.

“The upgraded playground is expected to open next month, weather permitting.”

Some Rainbow Bay residents are concerned the playground looks ‘like a McDonald’s store’. Picture Glenn Hampson

The City spokesman said the playground was “positioned near the Ward St T-intersection to reduce impact on nearby residents”.

Mr Brain said it didn’t make sense to build the “largest, loudest playground structure in the smallest park on the thinnest stretch of foreshore, closest to homes and apartments”.

“Why not on the Coolangatta foreshore, Greenmount end, where there is a lot of room and homes are set well back?” he questioned.

“It is a disgrace that council has approved and constructed such an obstruction on the foreshore without any apparent consultation, without any thought to how many properties’ ocean views and coastal panoramas have been affected, decreased and in some cases obliterated … in so doing, obviously greatly devaluing properties and affecting resident wellbeing.”

The new playground was designed to be inclusive for all children. Picture Glenn Hampson

Area councillor Gail O’Neill said she had heard from a few residents who were not happy with the playground’s design, colour and location.

“I acknowledge their concerns but I have also had some great feedback from parents who say their kids can’t wait for this to be open,” she said.

“Playgrounds are meant to be fun.”

Friends of Rainbow Bay Society have taken up the campaign on Facebook.

Nic Nevin commented: “Not a fan – looks like an eyesore on one of the most popular beaches! Maybe a beach rustic vibe would have been nicer.”

Local mum Tamera Dowsett suggested locals let the playground’s target audience cast the deciding vote.

“I like it … they could put a few extra surf/beach themed items around it … to take away from the McDonald’s look which I don’t see to be honest.

“To all the adults complaining, why not send the kids in and ask them.

“My son can’t wait for the fence to go down.”

Originally published as Gold Coast locals protest new Rainbow Bay children’s playground