Play equipment installed at Maryborough water playground

CAPTION: Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott, PBS Project Manager Peter Abood, Councillor Daniel Sanderson, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders.

The new water playground in Maryborough’s Anzac Park is taking shape with the play equipment now being installed ahead of the project’s expected completion in the middle of the year.

The construction milestone comes as local high school students spend their end-of-term holidays doing work experience on the project with local building company PBS.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the $3 million project, funded under the State Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program, would greatly enhance Anzac Park.

“The new water play area and all-abilities playground at Maryborough’s Anzac Park will be a wonderful facility for locals and add another feature to attract visitors to our region,” he said.

“The project has also ensured continued employment for Fraser Coast tradies, and building supplies companies, with more than 589 cubic metres of concrete have been poured to create the play area.”

The equipment being installed includes a sensory wall, inclusive orbit element, a spoon full of sugar discharge bucket, a trampoline, waterfall, crystal fountains and a hammock.

Other features include stream jets, a roller slide, cosmic cannons, spray jets, sugar cane spray poles, a new shelter with a barbecue, and improved amenities.

Cr Seymour said three Aldridge State High school students - Jason, (Year 12, Plumbing), Krystal, (Year 10, Carpentry) and Markus (Year 10, Landscape, carpentry, and concreting) – were working on the project over the school holidays.

“The work experience will be invaluable to the students,” he said.

“It introduces them to the skills they will need when they join their chosen industry and let’s them meet and create relationships with employers and workers.”

Aldridge High School to Work Officer Sarah Glover was thrilled the students could participate in building what will become an iconic playground in the city.

“We are very lucky to have local employers like PBS who are so willing to host students to help them develop skills that will make them valuable future employees,” she said.

The Maryborough water playground is a joint initiative of the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

“Building facilities such as the water play area and all abilities park are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing plan for economic recovery,” Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said.

“These projects help drive Queensland’s economic recovery by supporting local jobs.

“It is fantastic that the Works for Queensland program has been able to ensure that the community can continue to use and enjoy these facilities.”