A community petition calling for a free public water play park on the Redlands Coast will be presented at next week’s Redland City Council meeting, following the close of a public survey earlier this week.
The petition, led by principal petitioner Aaron Anderson, attracted 43 responses before closing at 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 13, comfortably exceeding the minimum 10 signatures required for it to be considered properly made under council rules.
The petition calls on council to investigate and deliver a free-access public water play park on the Redlands mainland, citing the area’s growing population of young families and long, hot summers.
In the petition, residents argue that despite these conditions, council currently operates no public swimming pools on the mainland and provides only one small water play facility at Thornlands Community Park.
As a result, many families are forced to travel outside the Redlands to access safe, free water-based recreation and cooling spaces that are commonly provided by neighbouring local governments.
The petition states that a mainland water play park would support community health, wellbeing and social connection, while providing safe and accessible summer cooling for children and families.
It also highlights the value of inclusive, low-cost recreation and improved liveability in a rapidly growing city.
Councillor Julie Talty is expected to formally present the petition at the upcoming council meeting in accordance with section 6.9 of Council Meeting Standing Orders.
She will also move a motion that the petition be received as an operational matter and referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
The petition acknowledges there are multiple possible options for delivery, including integration with planned facilities at Birkdale or Heinemann Road, or an alternative site identified through community consultation.
Petitioners have requested that council prioritise investigation, consultation and planning for a mainland water play park, and consider its inclusion in future capital works programs and precinct planning.
If the motion is supported, council officers will be tasked with assessing the request and reporting back through the appropriate administrative and planning processes.
No decision on whether a water play park will be built is expected at this stage.
