Wittonga Park Archives - The Gap Today

Take Your Coffee Break Among the Trees With Brisbane’s ‘Coffee Carts in Parks’

Local residents may soon be able to grab their morning java among the trees and footpaths of local parks, as Brisbane unveiled the new “Coffee Carts in Parks” initiative, which aims to bring mobile cafes to public green spaces across the city.

Read: Bluey’s Hammerbarn Comes to Life at Bunnings Keperra

The Gap parks identified as potential coffee cart locations are the Alfred & Lucina Best Park and Wittonga Park. Other parks nearby include Grinstead Park in Enoggera, Keperra Picnic Ground Park in Ferny Grove, and the Upper Kedron Recreation Reserve.

The expansion would allow residents to more conveniently pick up a hot cup of coffee whilst strolling through or resting in some of the district’s most beloved community hubs.

Wittonga Park (Photo credit: Camilla Browning/Google Maps)

The push comes as Brisbane City Council works to streamline licensing and costs for vendors seeking to operate in Council-owned locales. The current roster of 15 approved coffee carts and 44 food trucks would grow under regulations making it faster and cheaper to set up shop in places like parks, playgrounds, and dog parks.

Coffee carts in parks — Photo credit: Michael Norris/Google Maps

The annual registration fee to receive a permit would drop to $450 from the current semi-annual charge of $321.48. Locations would be vetted to prevent competition with existing cafes and restaurants nearby.

In addition to the Gap sites, nearly 60 locations citywide have been flagged as high potential areas during the Council’s early survey work. Comprehensive assessments remain underway to pinpoint both the best places and ideal operating hours catering to the community’s needs.

For many Brisbane families, a trip to a local park goes hand-in-hand with grabbing a quick bite or caffeine fix. The proposed “Coffee Carts in Parks” program would seamlessly blend these routines, offering residents a perfect place to refresh whilst staying connected to the outdoors.

Read: Brisbane Fee Cut Sparks Surge in Green Waste Recycling Bin Orders

If approved, the streamside tracks and playgrounds of the Gap may soon double as perfect places to grab a flat white or cold brew.

Published 23-February-2024

Barbie on the Big Screen at Wittonga Park

Mark your calendars for a fun, free activity right in the neighbourhood! On Saturday, February 10, Wittonga Park in The Gap will transform into an outdoor theatre for a special screening of the 2023 blockbuster film Barbie.

Read: Brisbane’s Cafe Tara: Building Community Over Breakfast for 18 Years

Starring fellow Queenslander Margot Robbie as the iconic doll, Barbie smashed box office records this past summer. Now you can see Robbie’s hometown talent on full display as she brings Barbie to life on the big screen. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for a relaxed movie night under the stars.

Barbie Movie At Wittonga Park

The feature film starts at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn and play lawn games. Volunteers will be on hand selling popcorn, candy, and drinks to benefit local charities.

Wittonga Park (Photo credit: Claude Prinsloo/Google Maps)

These free outdoor cinema events are a beloved local tradition in Brisbane, bringing suburban neighbourhoods together. As Barbie would say, there’s no better way to “Ken-nect” with your community. Don’t miss out on the fun – mark those calendars for February 10!

Visit Brisbane City Council’s website for more details.

Read: Remembering Dr Ian Marshall and his Extraordinary Contributions to The Gap

About the Barbie Movie

The iconic Barbie doll came to life on the big screen in the new live-action comedy film Barbie. Directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, this highly anticipated film starred Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as her longtime boyfriend Ken.

When Barbie faced an existential crisis, she and Ken embarked on a hilarious journey of self-discovery by leaving the perfection of Barbieland and entering the messy real world.

With an all-star cast including America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae and more, Barbie delivered laughs, adventure and empowering themes.

In Australia, the film scored the largest second week ever for a total of $30.6 million after two weekends, proving its box office dominance.

Check OUT WHat’s At The MOVIEs

Published 15-January-2024

New Scooter Track Coming to Wittonga Park in The Gap

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Wittonga Park will soon have a new scooter track! Work on this new project in The Gap, one of four scooter tracks earmarked for completion in 2022, commenced in early August.

The scooter track at Wittonga Park was designed for children of various ages to build confidence as they use the course. Younger players will be able to start by mastering small sections of the course. Older children, on the other hand, should be able to master and complete the whole track loop fairly quickly.

The construction works at Wittonga Park include the installation of raised roundabout platforms, a series of moguls, a two-way concrete track, and a series of texture panels.

Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey / Facebook

Cr Steven Toomey also said that there will also be a vine-covered tunnel for the flora & fauna of area.

Apart from Wittonga Park, three other parks will also get their own scooter park:

Paul Conti Park, Hemmant – includes a new playground next to the track and a new picnic shelter (Start of construction in late May 2022)
Shaftesbury Street Park, Tarragindi – includes a new picnic shelter (Start of construction mid-May 2022)
Kathleen Street Park, Richlands (Start of construction late July 2022)

Council said that the new scooter tracks will be based on the award-winning track in Bradbury Park in Kedron that was unveiled in June 2021.

All four tracks are slated to be completed before 2022 ends.

Wittonga Park Upgrades in The Gap Now Complete

Residents of The Gap now have a new reason to celebrate as the upgrades to Wittonga Park along Alutha Road have been completed. Councillor Steve Toomey confirmed on social media that these upgrades, which were initiated over two months ago, may now be enjoyed by the locals.

First up, a new parking area with 16 bays and easily accessible parkways has been added to Wittonga Park. It’s close to the new BMX track and perfect for the occasional outdoor movie nights in the area.

Work on the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Young and active kids have since been using the challenging BMX tracks at Wittonga Park when it opened in early July. This dirt bike circuit is bigger, slightly higher and better for testing your skills.

“If you like to have air between your wheels and the ground, this is the place to be,” Mr Toomey said.

Work on the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Meanwhile, past the bike tracks near Alutha Road is the Dog Park, which has a new encasement. There are also additional shaded areas with seating for dog owners to hang around whilst they watch their furry pets play.

Wittonga Park may be accessed by car or on foot. It’s a wonderful place to bring family members outdoors to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere or to do your regular exercises, walks and sports activities with friends.