Adventure begins at beloved Burpengary environmental centre
Published 28 June 2024
Open just in time for school holidays, City of Moreton Bay has unveiled a one-of-a-kind $1.3 million playground at the Caboolture Region Environment Education Centre (CREEC).
The nature themed park opened to the delight of the City’s younger (and older) residents, with plenty of smiling faces christening the space.
Mayor Peter Flannery said providing children and families opportunities to get active and learn about the natural wonders surrounding them is a focus for Council.
“We’re fortunate to be surrounded by wildlife, amazing flora and three environment centres which are all ready to explore. Just this financial year alone, over 23,000 people have visited CREEC, with over 8,500 exploring the centre itself,” he said.
“These spaces provide substantial value to our community and provide visitors with free, educational, and most importantly, fun adventures.
“Accessibility and meaningful play elements were a focus for this project, and it was incredible to see families of all ages at the official opening of the playground.”
Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) said he was proud to see the playground opened and affirmed the importance of CREEC.
“CREEC is an outstanding facility, playground, and educational centre, and I encourage everyone to make a visit,” he said.
“I am always excited when we can bring another affordable, fun day out option to our residents and being able to tie-in the importance of protecting our environment is an enormous plus.”
Lead designers of the playground, SLR Consulting, aimed to create a harmonious relationship between fun, adventure and nature. The playground blends nature-themed play with the surrounding environment, educational centre, and existing play space.
There’s a diverse range of adventures available that enhance the current playground experience, promote intergenerational interactions, and support educational opportunities.
Teaming with Urban Play to pick the perfect equipment to feed imaginations, Nikita Burns Senior Play Consultant, emphasised the important role nature played in its creation.
“Our goal was to create a nature playground that goes beyond the traditional ‘sticks and stones’ approach. Working closely with SLR Consulting, each element was hand-picked to immerse children in nature and develop their physical, social, cognitive, and creative skills,” she said.
“This is the first playground of its kind in City of Moreton Bay, blending natural beauty with innovative play.”
Key features of the park:
Embankment play – Children can race to the top using climbing ropes and sandstone blocks. At the peak, a macadamia nut-inspired play hut provides a playful hideout with a panoramic view of the park with two curvy slides that offer a fun and speedy descent.
Agility course – A fun way to promote movement through the playspace, featuring balancing and climbing activities, a swaying hammock for rest and totem poles decorated with local flora and fauna bringing the space to life.
Additional play elements – The space includes in-ground trampolines, swings, sand play, and water play, offering a diverse range of activities.
Accessibility – Interconnecting pathways throughout the playspace are ideal for strollers or scooters, ensuring access for everyone.
Most importantly, there will be plenty of shade sails to protect visitors from the sun.
Plan your next adventure at CREEC and find more information on future upgrades by visiting our website.