Second Stage Upgrade To Walton Bridge Reserve In The Gap To Bring New Lifestyle and Leisure Opportunities

As part of the $2.5 million Brisbane City Council project to extend the life of Walton Bridge, the second stage of the Walton Bridge Reserve upgrade in The Gap has broken ground. The first stage of the project was completed in December 2017.

The second stage of the upgrade started mid-May 2018 and will be finished before Remembrance Day, 11 November, depending on weather and construction conditions. This particular stage aims to focus on making improvements to the usability and accessibility of the reserve to the local community.

Stage 2 Work Coverage

Stage 2 of the Walton Bridge Reserve improvements involves the following works:

  • Relocation of the memorial at the corner of Jevons Street and Waterworks Road to the remembrance precinct
  • Creating footpaths from Glen Affric Street to the precinct
  • New Waterworks Road pedestrian entrance
  • Relocation of community artwork pillars to the corner of Jevon Street and Waterworks Road
  • Installation of informal amphitheatre seating
  • Additional greeneries at the remembrance precinct

Councillor Steve Toomey (The Gap) recognises the importance of the Walton Bridge Reserve in providing a vibrant space for the community.

“It’s also an important natural area in The Gap, and Council is ensuring it continues to be an idyllic piece of paradise by providing new picnic facilities, an all-abilities playground, a new barbeque as well as upgrades to the car park, Cr Toomey said.

He said that the council has been working closely with The Gap RSL on the second and final stage of the project, which will include enhancing access for people of all ages and abilities.

“Works will also include the installation of amphitheatre seating and defining the Remembrance Precinct by planting trees and garden beds to add to ensure the Reserve remains a special place of remembrance for many years to come.”

“The Gap Residents’ Association and local residents had a huge input into the final design of the upgrade, and I thank everyone for working with me to achieve an outcome that will be loved by the whole community,” he said.

The first stage of the project has brought on an extender play area with a new all-abilities playground, improved picnic areas, new toilet facility, and new greeneries.


Also read: All-Abilities Playground, Added Amenities Coming To The Gap’s Walton Bridge Reserve


These upgrades by the council are intended to meet the needs of the local community, whilst retaining the existing look and feel of the Reserve.

Address: 25 Glen Affric St, The Gap QLD 4061 AU

All-Abilities Playground, Added Amenities Coming to The Gap’s Walton Bridge Reserve

The Gap’s Walton Bridge Reserve is set to see a new all-abilities playground, more shade trees and additional facilities through the upgrade project by the Brisbane City Council.

Construction has begun on the first stage of the upgrade of one of The Gap’s most popular parks in early May 2017. The project worth $1.5 million is aimed at encouraging more people to head outdoors and benefit from the public open spaces.

The all-abilities playground will be particularly beneficial as it will provide playground amenities for children of all ages and abilities. Children with disabilities are often left out of standard playgrounds, therefore missing out on the health benefits of outdoor play. This playground will be a perfect place where able-bodied kids and kids with disabilities can play together.

What to Expect

Stage 1 of the project is expected to be completed by late 2017. The first stage will include the following:

  • All-abilities playground added to the existing play area
  • New picnic shelters
  • New toilet facilities
  • Additional shade trees, garden beds and enhanced landscaping
  • Improvement to the existing Lions Club shelter
  • New wayfinding signs
  • Resurfaced car park areas

Development Plan for the Walton Bridge Reserve Playground:

(Source: Brisbane City Council)

 

The upgrade project is a result of consultation and input from local resident and The Gap Residents’ Association.

See the video of how the community contributed to developing the plan for the park.

The council recognises the value of the Walton Bridge Reserve as a vibrant space for locals and as a natural reserve. The council is making sure that the construction will have minimal impact on the natural environment.

Part of the project involves revegetating the Fish and Enoggera Creek area. Removal or trees and trimming will also be limited. In cases where trees need to be removed, they will be replaced to maintain the density of the foliage.

During construction, the north-west part of the park will be closed to the public. The Enoggera Creek Bikeway will still be accessible throughout the construction period.