About the Project

Residents of Wongaling Beach will soon benefit from a new playground, as Cassowary Coast Regional Council moves forward with plans to install a nature play space at Alan Wheatley Memorial Park.

Council awarded the contract for the build to Mission Beach based company, G-Force Landscaping with works expected to begin during Ocrober and take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Council undertook a survey to understand the community's use of the Park and to gain feedback on the design. More than 80 submissions were received and 64% of respondents were in favour of the nature play space.

The Design

Outdoor activities such as nature play improve focus, motor skills and physical health, as well as assist children to develop resilience, independence and self-awareness.

The nature playground incorporates diverse elements to inspire nature-based learning and encourage interaction with the local environment. The design supports Council’s long-term commitment to refocus built assets in higher use parks across the region and in this case is complementary to facilities already available in the area including Rotary Park, which includes a splash pad, skate park and basketball court.

Key features of the playground will include wooden steps, timber logs for balancing, a fairy door to delight the imagination, large boulders and natural grass areas, all covered by natural shade from surrounding trees. The unstructured and stimulating environment of a nature-based playground encourages more green time and less screen time, and allows imaginations to run free.

This concept has been designed with the ability to be easily uninstalled and reinstalled without issue which will prove beneficial if the Irreverent Film Production or others return to the area in the future.