MANY Maleny newcomers are surprised to find there is no local park suitable for all ages.
A Forum, convened by Maleny Forums, is being held on November 2, from 9.30 to 11.30am at the Maleny Community Centre to explore what the possibilities could be for a multigenerational park.
In a 2018 survey, 400 local residents indicated the need for a significantly-sized, accessible and part-shaded park that offers integrated areas for toddlers, children and youth, spaces for activities and community meeting spaces for families and friends.
At the moment Maleny has the Showgrounds, a walking trail on the Precinct, two small children’s parks with low-risk equipment, and small green areas with very limited facilities but none of these offer the type of park required for Maleny’s growing diverse, multi-aged population.
The Forum will bring together those with a keen interest in the development of a multigenerational park and explore the features that such a park might have.
The guest speakers are Rossina Moore, Psaltis Cawley and Glennis McAlpine. Discussion groups to identify what would ideally meet the needs of families and a range of age groups in a park will follow.
Guest speaker Rossina Moore said: “Contemporary playgrounds cater for all ages and integrate the family gathering space with playground spaces in beautiful and functional ways. For Maleny, beauty would be via the nature elements that people come to Maleny for, including symbols of our platypus”.
The mental health and spiritual benefits of parks are well known. Glennis McAlpine, explained “Parks are also for connecting the generations, so that we have a more understanding community and can be convivial, generous and kind to each other”. She added, “There is also a need for older people to have outdoor options for exercise,”.
With ongoing growth in Maleny and surrounds, including over 1,300 children and teenagers at local schools, this issue seems to be pressing.
Attendance at the forum is free, though a donation towards venue hire is appreciated. Bookings are via https://www.trybooking.com/CDLPH
A Maleny Forum will take place to discuss the possibility of a new park.
