Kingaroy Memorial Park and pool master plan revealed

A $33.5 million reimagining of the Kingaroy Memorial Park and pool will be a game-changer for the region. See the first images of what it will look like.

A council report revealed the enhanced play area will feature sensory and accessible play features, a multipurpose court, youth play equipment and a Ninja Warrior course.

A $33.5million game-changing redevelopment in the heart of Kingaroy is a step closer to reality, with the South Burnett Regional Council releasing a draft Master Plan of the project, which will include a heated swimming pool, a Ninja Warrior course and fully powered stage.

The Memorial Park and the WJ Lang Memorial Olympic Pool on Alford St was one of the first Olympic sized swimming pools to be built in Queensland.

The Master Plan will facilitate a variety of aquatic, recreation and community uses, and various activities at the park and pool.

Aerial image of Memorial Park and Kingaroy circa 1939, and compared to future designs of the park. (Source: State Library of Queensland and South Burnett Regional Council)

A council spokesman said the council knew the value of Memorial Park to the community and was aware of the key role parks and green spaces played in supporting and providing essential mental, physical, social, economic and ecological benefits.

“The Master Plan considers provision, planning, layout, accessibility and use, in order to ensure the park and pool meet the needs of the South Burnett community now and in the future,” a spokesman said.

“The Strategic Priorities of Council’s new Corporate Plan highlight council’s commitment to enhancing liveability and lifestyle, providing key community infrastructure, growing the region’s economy and prosperity, and safeguarding the environment for future generations.”

A council study identified the likely future demands of the aging population of the region needing low intensity recreation activities, potentially increasing the value of parks and warm water aquatic programs.

A council report revealed the enhanced play area will feature sensory and accessible play features, a multipurpose court, youth play equipment and a Ninja Warrior course.

A council spokesman said the income and socio-economic data (in council’s study) indicated that a large proportion of the community may not have the capacity to pay for recreation opportunities.

“Master planning should consider free recreation opportunities with key principles of access and inclusion to ensure developments are accessible for people with a disability,” he said.

The council’s report revealed the enhanced play area will feature sensory and accessible play features, a multipurpose court, youth play equipment and a ninja warrior course and the addition of the permanently powered outdoor stage will provide the opportunity for community art and historical information.

Indigenous and public art will be displayed throughout the park and the aquatic precinct will feature a new indoor warm water program pool, new entrance, kiosk and amenities.

“Community consultation is still underway and any further consideration and/or decisions will be made only after the community engagement is finalised,” a council spokesman said.

For more information on the council masterplan visit the South Burnett Regional Council website.

Originally published as Kingaroy Memorial Park and pool master plan revealed