Jack Morgan Park gives Coolum’s heart new life

Coolum’s Jack Morgan Park has undergone a $1 million transformation creating a vibrant and relaxing community space that can be enjoyed any time of the day in the heart of the beachside town.

Division 9 Councillor Steve Robinson said he was proud to have delivered one of council’s most significant Coolum projects.

“We have long had a vision of creating this large public park for our community and it’s fantastic to see it completed and ready for everyone to take advantage of,” Cr Robinson said.

“The park now has a variety of different spaces for families to enjoy, including an open space adjoining the Coolum Library’s new deck and shaded reading area, a new table tennis table and new arbour that creates a distinct look as you wander through the park along new pathways.

“A standout feature of the park is that it will be the first public art lighting projection experience delivered in an open space environment in our region, with projection designs created by Sunshine Coast artists.

“There is plenty of space for future markets, community events and music and entertainment performances, with electricity and lighting available.

“This upgrade has strengthened Jack Morgan Park’s position as the civic heart of Coolum and has provided an alternative to the popular Tickle Park.”

Other elements of the upgrade include stone clad decorative wall seating, around 1600 new ground plants and 20 new trees, car parking improvements, a shade structure, tables and seating areas, additional bins, an irrigation system, drainage and a drinking fountain.

The upgrade is part of the endorsed Jack Morgan Park masterplan.

In recognition of the project’s community benefit, the Marcoola Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank has partnered with council and contributed $50,000 towards the park’s upgrade.

The first stage of the Jack Morgan Park Upgrade Project was recognised with a Queensland award from the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) in the Excellence in Design and Delivery of Public Works Project under $2 million category.