Community & Business
1 June, 2022
Long awaited nature play to open
AFTER months of anticipation for a new nature play park in Malanda, Jack May Park will reopen for locals on Queensland day with something new and fun for anyone of any age or ability.
The all-abilities nature-based playground and is now the centrepiece of Malanda’s $564,000 redeveloped Jack May Park as well as a series of recent beautification projects.
Tablelands Regional Councillor Dave Bilney has been overseeing the beautification of Malanda since gaining his seat and believes this project will bring the community closer together. He said as the population of Malanda continued to rise, there had been a demand for more family friendly assets to be installed.
“This is a fantastic community facility, and it is a great opportunity for our town,” he said.
“The Malanda Chamber of Commerce were heavily involved in trying to create a family friendly space for the town and did lots of fundraising to get one, so when this funding came around, we thought we would use it to create the park.
“Jack May himself was the second longest serving shire clerk for the Eacham Shire.”
Local construction company Jade Creations has been working on the project since last year and is proud of the work they have done to bring the park to life.
Manager Rob Clarkson knew his team had to get onboard the project as a way to give back to the Malanda community and give it a beautiful place for families and friends to come and spend time together.
“This project will increase the liveability of Malanda with another fantastic asset for local families to utilise as well as making it a destination for travellers and people from other towns to stop and enjoy,” he said.
“It’s given our family the opportunity to give back to the incredible Malanda community that supported us through our daughter Missy’s four-year-long battle with leukaemia that she unfortunately didn’t survive.
“Our whole team has enjoyed this project because of its diverse nature and challenging elements to construct and it will benefit local businesses and families alike.”
The redeveloped Jack May Park will be open on 5 June to mark Queensland Day to host the Malanda Chamber of Commerce’s Family Fun Day.
The project is a $564,500 capital works project funded by the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and TRC.
