The Brisbane City Council has finalised its plan to revitalise the Graceville Riverside Parklands.
The Graceville Riverside Parklands precinct is located at the northern-most end of the Oxley Creek corridor. The corridor includes the Graceville Riverside Parkland, Simpsons Playground, Nadine Street Park, Graceville Avenue Park and Bert St Clair Oval.
Already a popular park with the local community, the Graceville Riverside Parklands will become a significant entry point to the 20-kilometre Oxley Creek corridor. The transformation will include upgrades to sports fields, a new playground, a new water activity hub, a larger pontoon and improvements to picnic areas.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, says the transformation will deliver world-class lifestyle and leisure facilities and a lasting green legacy for the city.
About the Graceville Riverside Parklands
The final precinct plan for the Graceville Riverside Parklands proposes enhancements and upgrades to the function, character and identity of many of the park’s existing features. It will also establish a key gateway into the Oxley Creek corridor, providing a hub for water-related recreation to the community.
The community’s feedback during the consultation period has helped form the final version of the Graceville Riverside Parklands precinct. It included:
- access to a future 20km walking and cycling recreation trail
- improved open greenspace, lawn space and picnic facilities
- greater access options for all community members
- water-based recreation and activities to accommodate all ages, abilities and skill levels
- a viewing terrace to sit and enjoy the riverside location of the parklands.
The water activity hub
A new multi-purpose water activity hub will adjoin the existing Sea Scout Hall. It will provide storage and rigging space for watercraft at creek level. At park level, there will be a covered seating area, toilet facilities, changerooms and access to power and water. It is anticipate these facilities will make the hub a natural gathering point for community groups and visitors alike.
The new terrace will also provide the perfect opportunity to view the river and spectate sailing and paddling events.
Connections to the river
Tour boats will be able to drop off and pick up visitors to the Oxley Creek corridor at a new pontoon located in the Graceville Riverside Parklands precinct. Council is also investigating opportunities to supply the parks visitors with bikes, canoes and kayaks so they can experience The Greenway and Oxley Creek Paddle Trail.
Improving the parklands
The Graceville Riverside Parklands current grove of shady trees and the existing boat playground will become the centrepieces of the new play space. It is designed to encourage imagination and curiosity. There will also be a new Junior Greenway, where children of all ages can scoot and cycle obstacle detours located parallel to the pathways.
New exercise stations will be placed on the riverside exercise circuit. These have been designed to challenge those looking to workout.
There will be open grassed areas with picnic shelters and electric barbecues adjoining the playground. For those looking to throw out a picnic rug, other grassed areas will be located under large shade trees in the precinct.
In the centre of the parklands will be a new community green. This will become the setting for local community and cultural celebrations. There will be power and water available as well as soft feature lighting for activities stretching into the early evening. This central greenspace will also provide a large open area for informal play and relaxation.
What else is at Graceville RIverside Parklands for kids?
The Oxley Creek Junior Ranger Program provides a fun way for children to explore the parks and open spaces of Oxley Creek. Children will have the opportunity to protect and revitalise Oxley Creek and the surrounding greenspaces. The program will also increase their knowledge of the people, plants and animals of the area.
There will be a range of activities for children of all ages. Children can receive Junior Ranger status by completing the Warril Parkland Discovery Trail. They will need to complete the Junior Ranger Quiz questions and challenges at each of the 11 trail stops.
For more information about the Graceville Riverside Parklands precinct and Oxley Creek corridor transformation, check out the precinct plan online.
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