COASTAL COOL

Located in one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal locales, Christsen Park in Bargara, North Queensland, underwent a major upgrade to ensure the local community and visitors to the area had a suitable and safe recreational venue in which to relax.

Bundaberg Regional Council worked closely with a team of facilitators to greatly improve the park’s functionality and create an environment that would encourage families to gather together and enjoy the best that the local environment has to offer.

With tourists pulled to the area to enjoy snorkelling, whale watching and turtle hatching, Council wanted to create a modern facility that would encourage more visitors and still provide locals with a viable playspace. In consultation with GX Outdoors, Council decided upon a suite of products that would complement the area and not interrupt the stunning views of Kelly’s Beach.

The newly created space was constructed to open up the area to accommodate a greater range of passive recreational uses. In addition, the reconfiguration of space created a safer environment by eliminating an access road that previously divided the amenities.

Key features included in the park upgrade were a new playground with play structures suited to multiple age groups, together with new footpaths and four new shade structures with picnic settings and double-plate barbecues from Grillex. The park was also outfitted with a range of park furniture, including bins, seats, table settings, platforms, barbecues and drinking fountains.

When selecting products for the project, Council specified the outdoor furniture and barbecues be user-friendly, continuously function without fault, and help reduce the costly maintenance program associated with the older existing equipment.

Pieces from the GX Outdoors Citistyle, Atessa and Reviva ranges met all of the Council’s requirements. The state-of-the-art GX Outdoors Smarter barbecues, with simple to use controls and higher cooking performance, exceeded expectations and guarantee an excellent cooking experience for users.

A new car park and six-cubicle toilet block provide full amenity for park users, while a new access road ensures easy access. The single point of entry and exit now renders the entire seaward side of the park safe for use. To finish the space, landscaped gardens and turf was installed, softening the new hardscaping and settling the park into the surrounding environment.

Since its opening, Bundaberg Council has reported great feedback from the public on the new facilities at Christsen Park. “The overall design is great. It’s open space and more family friendly,” claims Cr Barnes.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Bundaberg Council
Design, Manufacture & Supply GX Outdoors
Playground Equipment Willplay