Botanic gardens upgrade almost complete

Upgrades to the western side of the Emerald Botanic Gardens are in full swing with crews completing installation of playground and fitness equipment in the coming weeks.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said people can look forward to additional comfortable, practical and inclusive recreational space at the gardens.

‘Contractors are currently installing the new playground equipment, including a mouse wheel, a climbing net, a flying fox as well as a play area for small children,’ he said.

‘There will be seating beside the toddler area for parents to sit close and keep watch.

‘Behind the flying fox will be a set of double barbecues and four tables under two large shade shelters with access to power and water.

‘These improvements provide additional space for families to spend recreational time outside.’

A little further along the path towards the Vince Lester Bridge will be the garden’s new fitness area.

‘We should see construction of the fitness equipment start towards the end of the month,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘The equipment includes a barcode that, linked to a smartphone, provides training tips and guidance.’

Further works include upgrades to the footpath to link the Vince Lester Bridge with the top of John Gay Bridge.

The footpaths have a 2.5-metre-wide concrete finish with plenty of space for children on bikes and are suitable for wheelchair access.

Visitors at the existing playground were curiously watching contractors work last week and two-year old Amaya Shepherd and mum Kirra said they’re excited to try out the new playground and look forward to using the fitness equipment.

The Emerald Botanic Gardens western upgrades are a jointly funded $1.4 million project in partnership with the Queensland Government with half of the amount from the Local Government Grant and Subsidies Program.