Kingston Park’s Public Open Space was officially opened today marking the final stage of the playground’s development.
Mayor, Paula Wriedt said the project complemented the Kingston Park playground by providing open space for larger activities.
“The $2,900,000 project was part funded by a $1,404,450 Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant program,” Cr Wriedt said.
“The space will allow people an open area to play ball games together, enjoy the wonderful beginners pump track, participate in the outdoor gym zones or just stroll along pathways connected to the rest of Kingston,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Through an extensive public consultation process, the community told us they wanted a park that supported biodiversity, connected people to nature, and provided a diverse range of experiences.
“This new section of the park is the final stage of Kingston Park.
“Kingston Park builds on Council’s vision to create a diverse range of engaging open spaces for the community that encourage social participation and connection in an attractive environment.
“Council has also installed two picnic and BBQ areas in the park and created three exercise equipment areas, one of which includes a beep test track.
“With the help from a Community Wellness Adviser, Jim Preece, three exercise stations were developed for the area.
“These exercise areas will cater for everyone from the elderly and low mobility users, all the way through to elite level athletes and sporting teams.
“Council has also developed a suite of videos to support the operation of the equipment.
“At every station there will be QR codes that link to videos to explain how to use the equipment and suggested workouts.
Mayor Wriedt said the open space area would be officially kicked off in celebration next Monday 13 March with the hosting of the ‘Day at the Park’ celebrations.
“This will be a fabulous day with great activities including multicultural dance and music, train rides, model expo, children’s craft and games, food vans, the Navy band and Sands Family Circus.
“Today’s announcement also gives us an opportunity to celebrate the finishing of the northern entrance to Kingston.
“This involved connecting Goshawk Way through to the Huon Highway which was funded with a $1,192,204 Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant program, a $750,000 funding contribution from the State Government City Deal and $1,257,795 from Kingborough Council.
“Our new roadworks, roundabouts, and an underpass allow better movement in and out of Kingston and will serve our community well as we upgrade the CBD.
“Creating better access to services for our community members is a high priority for the Council and the upgrade allows better passage to the Kingborough Community Hub, Kingston Park and the many new homes that will be located in our CBD in the near future.
“Public consultation on the 2022/23 budget confirmed that the community wanted to see more off-road cycle trails and walking tracks in Kingborough.
“This year, Council will be increasing the total length of our tracks by 8.3 kilometres to create 66.7 kilometres of Council-managed tracks that cyclists, dog walkers, horse riders and community members can enjoy.”
“I am pleased to announce this increase includes the upgrade of Whitewater Creek track to shared path standard, connecting Kingston Park Playground and open space all the way through to Summerleas Road.
“This track was funded through a State Government Vulnerable Road Users Grant Program and Kingborough Council.
“This track is now fully accessible for bikes, wheelchairs, dog walkers, prams, walkers and runners, enabling better off-road connection links for the community.
“It consists of a three-metre-wide concrete path running next to Whitewater Creek.”
The open space area includes:
• Beginners asphalt pump track
• 1.6km of shared pathways (including 300m of kids learn-to-ride track)
• 2 undercover BBQ shelters
• Stone gathering circle
• Two-tiered viewing platform
• 3 gym equipment areas
• Public toilet block
• Connecting path to Whitewater Creek track.