Upgrades for kid’s play areas

TWO children’s play areas in Cooroy are getting an upgrade.

Work has begun on the water play area within the Hinterland Adventure Playground and in the Cooroy Library children’s outdoor area.

Noosa Council is installing two new cantilevered shade structures and new synthetic turf over the library’s outdoor area to improve sun protection and greater useability of the space.

Noosa Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Larry Sengstock said the landscaping works around the water play area in the playground aim to further improve the safety and amenity of this well-used facility.

“We are removing some of the loose rock and installing flagstone pavers, steps, and some additional mulching and planting.

“This follow-up work was always scheduled for this popular facility at the time of opening in April 2022 and is being funded through remaining construction budget left over from last year,” he said.

Council is also investigating shading options for the playground’s central play area, including the steel slide.

Mr Sengstock said the steel slide, manufactured locally in Cooroy, was adopted due to its low maintenance cost and to reflect one of the key driving design aesthetics – that of “industry taken over by nature”.

“On very hot days we do advise caution in the use of the slide and are reviewing processes to help manage this proactively in the future.

“We are also investigating further shading and cooling options at the central play area, including the slide, for possible future installation,” he said.

Both the Cooroy Library outdoor area and the water play area in the playground are currently closed while the works are carried out.

They are expected to take five weeks and three weeks respectively, weather depending.

Cooroy Library and the rest of the playground and its facilities are open as normal.