A COMMUNITY petition calling for a free public water play park on the Redlands Coast has been presented at Redland City Council’s latest meeting, following the closing of a public survey.
The petition, led by principal petitioner Aaron Anderson, attracted 43 responses before closing at 4.30pm on January 13, comfortably exceeding the minimum 10 signatures required for it to be considered properly made under Council rules.
The petition called 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 argued that despite these conditions, Council currently operated no public swimming pools on the mainland and provided only one small water play facility at Thornlands Community Park.
As a result, many families were forced to travel outside the Redlands to access safe, free water-based recreation and cooling spaces that were commonly provided by neighbouring local governments.
The petition stated 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 highlighted the value of inclusive, low-cost recreation and improved liveability in a rapidly growing city.
Councillor Julie Talty formally presented the petition at the Council meeting in accordance with section 6.9 of Council Meeting Standing Orders.
She also moved a motion that the petition be received as an operational matter and referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
The petition acknowledged there were multiple possible options for delivery, including integration with planned facilities at Birkdale or Heinemann Rd, or an alternative site identified through community consultation.
Petitioners 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.
Following the meeting, council officers were expected to assess the request and report back through the appropriate administrative and planning processes.
