Nambour Parklet - a new place to catch up with friends, family and colleagues

Inspired by similar initiatives in San Francisco, the Nambour Parklet project, commissioned by Sunshine Coast Council and Nambour Alliance as part of the Nambour Activation Plan, was officially launched today (November 7).

TAFE Queensland Certificate I in Construction students partnered with Nambour Alliance to build the parklet which is designed to convert part of Bury St, near the intersection with Currie St, into a vibrant community space for the community to enjoy.

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson said council had supported Nambour Alliance to deliver the contemporary project which was one of many positive outcomes of the Nambour Activation Plan.

“Since the endorsement of the plan in 2015, council has invested in or committed to new infrastructure at the Petrie Creek Parklands, Nambour Showgrounds, the Old Ambulance Station and the Nambour Heritage Tramway Project,” Cr Rogerson said.

“Council had also provided support for a range of exciting activation activities within Nambour, including the Drawn Together street artworks program, the Nambour Soundtrail, Nambour’s Vintage & Retro Trail and the NamJam busking and street performance competition.

“Council also committed funding towards future upgrading the Nambour council building forecourt which has hosted events like the highly successful Currie St Crawl and the daily board games from the library.

“Nambour is the ideal location for activations such as the Nambour Parklet which is designed to be relocated around the various streets of Nambour offering inviting seating for people to sit, relax and enjoy the surrounds.”

Nambour Alliance president Tony Vella said Nambour was leading the way with the official opening of the Sunshine Coast's first parklet.

“Parklets are a major placemaking activation initiative first seen in San Francisco over a decade ago as an almost rebellious way of making the most of its public spaces,” Mr Vella said.

“Thanks to the support of Cr Rogerson, this parklet has been a collaborative program between the Nambour Alliance, Sunshine Coast Council, TAFE Queensland East Coast Region and Community Solutions after Nambour Alliance was granted funding by council to deliver the project.

“We love working with TAFE, engaging their business and trades students and we have forged a strong relationship with every project we have undertaken.

“Equally impressive are the outcomes from involving Community Solutions, providing hands-on training for young people who have directly benefited from the project.

“Together we have built a unique seating and socialising space open to the public that activates the street and serves as a benchmark example of true collaboration.

“Fellow Nambour Alliance member and the architect behind the parklet’s design was Leon Granzien and I know Leon wishes he was here to help open the parklet in the centre of the Sunshine Coast, Nambour.”

TAFE Queensland, East Coast Region business development manager Dean Sherwell said TAFE Queensland prided itself on being an active member of its local communities and this project was no exception.

“We are proud to have been involved in this fantastic community initiative, contributing to the activation of Nambour and connecting with local businesses and organisations in the process,” he said.

“Through the Parklet Project, we have been able to offer our Certificate I in Construction students valuable, hands-on experience, while linking them with industry and prospective employers.

“It’s an initiative that has given them the chance to create something for the community they can be proud of, while increasing their employment opportunities.”