Support needed for multigenerational Maleny community park
COMMUNITY advocates pushing for a multigenerational park in Maleny are calling upon residents and local organisations to gather evidence and data to boost the grassroots campaign.
The push to establish a district park that meets the needs of all ages, abilities and backgrounds continues to grow as numerous community organisations throw support behind the ‘Maleny Park for All’ (MPA) concept. Campaign organisers have drafted a template for supporters to complete, and several community organisations endorsed the concept of an all-inclusive community play space for Maleny.
Maleny Visitor Information Centre, Maleny State School P&C, Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Maleny Playgroup, TULE, Maleny Rangers Football Club, Blackall Range Care and Maleny CWA amongst others have lent their voice to the community-led campaign, and now MPA is seeking supporting data and additional letters of support, which can be forwarded to Sunshine Coast Council, to reinforce their position.
GC&M News spoke with MPA’s Rossi Moore, who said while a number of small parks exist around the district, current playgrounds are mostly suited to below school-age children, day-trippers and visitors. She said existing playgrounds were limited in appeal for older children, teenagers and the community at large.
Rossi said MPA strongly advocated for a green space that could not only be enjoyed recreationally by people of all ages and abilities, but also created capacity for the community to be truly connected, as well as being reflective of the Maleny identity.
“A multigenerational district park aligns directly with Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Strategy and Action Plan,” Rossi said.
“Maleny is a town filled with innovative and creative people who have a relatively diverse way of thinking. The community is asking for a modern day play space that truly reflects the values of our community and encourages greater cohesion and inclusion for our community,”
Rossi said demonstration of genuine community buy-in for the concept was vitally important, and substantiating that position with letters of support and evidence of community need and engagement crucial.
She said while the group had identified potential location sites at Maleny Community Precinct or underutilised land between Bicentennial Lane and Coral Street, she said MPA were cognisant of the challenges with both options; however, the priority was galvanising and consolidating community support.
“The community requires a district park to be accessible to all young people, families and individuals within walking distance from the town centre, services, schools and public transport hub,” she said.
“If we can prove community unity and be on the front foot in showing community need and buy-in, these are the bigger issues that need to be addressed rather than location at this stage.”
To find out more or get involved email malenyparkforall@gmail.com
Main image: Frances Harper, Rossi Moore with Callie, Maggie and Stirling