Stay and play: Grand Central opens new play space

The new Grand Central Secret Garden playground is here and it’s ready to be explored by children of all ages.

PLAY TIME: The Secret Garden playground has officially opened at Grand Central this week, with children and parents delighted to have such a magical little park now available inside the shopping centre. Liana Foden (left) and Theia Russell, both four, thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Secret Garden at the official opening on Thursday, March 11 2021. Picture: Kate McCormack

Grand Central has been turned into a magical fairy kingdom with the official opening of the new Secret Garden children’s playground taking place this week.

Youngsters from as little as one right through to 12 are enjoying the bright, fun new addition to the shopping centre almost as much as mums and dads are enjoying the break it provides for them during a family trip to the mall.

Louis Hart, three, enjoyed playing in the Secret Garden at the official opening on Thursday, March 11 2021. Picture: Kate McCormack

“Our new playground was originally due to be installed this time last year, but due to some COVID-related holdups the project was forced to be put on hold,” Grand central Marketing Executive, Julie Thompson said.

“We’re really happy with how the Secret Garden play area has turned out now and the centre was very excited to officially open the space to families this week.

“This is something our customers have been asking for now for a little while so we’re glad to be able to officially open the play ground this week for families to enjoy while they visit Grand Central.

“We worked a great deal with the Melbourne based supplier, Interactivity to inure there was something for all children within the playground including interactive smart pads for the older children and sensory boards for toddlers as well as a cubby-style fort with a little climbing wall and slide that’s age appropriate for all children right up to 12-years of age.”

Connor Reilly (left) Theia Russell (centre) and Liana Foden all enjoyed playing in the Secret Garden at the official opening on Thursday, March 11 2021. Picture: Kate McCormack

Ms Thompson said Grand Central wanted to uphold Toowoomba’s Garden City branding and image within the playground, opting for a secret garden theme complete with a motorised butterfly machine, brightly coloured trees and soft, rubbery flooring perfect for climbing and exploring.

The COVID-Safe space is situated on the second level of Grand Central on the Kmart side of the shopping centre, in between The Bavarian and H&M.

While there is no limit on numbers of children, families are required to sign in via the QR code provided at the entrance of the playground.

The Secret Garden playground has officially opened at Grand Central this week, with children and parents delighted to have such a magical little park now available inside the shopping centre. Liana Foden (left) and Theia Russell, both four, thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Secret Garden at the official opening on Thursday, March 11 2021. Picture: Kate McCormack