GIN GIN A WIN WIN

An upgrade of Gin Gin Recreation Reserve in the Bundaberg region has delivered a first-class playground and recreation facility to a previously underserviced area of Queensland. Gin Gin Recreation Reserve is located in the Bundaberg region of Queensland. Set just off the Bruce Highway, upgraded facilities were installed in the reserve to attract passing tourists and provide a new hub for the local community to meet with family and friends.

Possessed of a unique and varied history, Gin Gin is a gateway to great Barramundi fishing, located just 20 minutes south of the international fishing destination Lake Monduran – and the site of the capture of a rogue bushranger in 1866. Close to beautiful National Parks, the area is rife with an abundance of natural flora and fauna that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Local Government said when the Bruce Highway was realigned it provided Council with an opportunity to develop the reserve into a destination that would appeal to both residents and tourists passing through the region. “Thanks to the positioning of the reserve, these new facilities are highly visible from the highway and will appeal to the travelling public as a desirable location to take respite,” said Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor.

Having identified the lack of a major park facility in the Gin Gin area, Bundaberg Council instigated the park upgrade project in 2015. At a cost of $280,000, the park project was completed in two stages, with the final stage completed in June 2016. Stage one of the project included the installation of a shade sail over the existing skate bowl, while the second larger stage included the installation of a playground, and picnic shelters replete with tables, seating and barbecue facilities from GX Outdoors.

Working closely with the Bundaberg Regional Council's team of designers and park managers, GX Outdoors was able to deliver a suite of furniture that greatly improved the park’s functionality and its enjoyment by visitors. The featured products installed included Unisite’s double Edge BBQ, and Atessa table settings, bin enclosures and drinking fountain.

The double Edge BBQ was a special feature in the project as it was the first installed by GX Outdoors. The ultimate eco-friendly system, the double Edge BBQ easily caters to large gatherings, accommodating twice the amount of food, and cooks efficiently due to a ‘smart’ design. The installation of the double Edge BBQ at Gin Gin reserve ensures ease of use for patrons and product reliability for Council.

Also a winner with Council was the Atessa range from GX Outdoors. The Atessa suite is manufactured from stainless steel, with anti-theft fixings and durable alloy frames. The low-maintenance and robust construction of this suite guarantees a cost-effective solution for Council and ensures long-term endurance, even in Australia’s harsh climate. Able to handle the heavy traffic of public recreation spaces, the Atessa suite will provide visitors to Gin Gin Park a place to return to time and time again.

Pleased with the end result of the reserve’s upgrade, Environment and Natural Resources portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said, “the upgrade to the reserve has created a focused recreation area that will appeal to families with children of all ages.”

PROJECT PARTICULARS

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