8 February, 2023
Westbrook’s Carla Crescent Park upgrades complete, total $374,400
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) recently completed upgrades to Carla Crescent Park, Westbrook.
Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the total project cost of $374,400 included planning, design and project management (incorporating surveying and community consultation), plus all associated construction works.
“The park’s slope meant additional earthworks were required to achieve a basic standard for a local recreation park,” Cr McMahon said.
“The cost of some materials, such as steel and other items, increased up to 40 per cent during the pandemic.
“The availability of supplies and associated freight issues added to the original budget.”
Cr McMahon said upgrades included tree planting and landscaping, the installation of a bench seat, a platform seat, a picnic table with a shelter, a water bubbler and a path to the main activity centre.
“The play elements consist of an embankment slide, a swing, two netball hoops, a dinosaur dig, stepping sandstone blocks and timber-edged deco stairs up the embankment slope,” he said.
“These upgrades are in line with facilities provided at Council’s designated local recreation parks, such as Carla Crescent Park.
“The park upgrades align with plans in Council’s Toowoomba Open Space Strategy, which identifies that Westbrook is well serviced by Centenary Park and Westbrook Park.
“These are classified as higher or district recreation parks that provide more amenities and are conveniently located to service the existing and growing community.”
Cr McMahon said the strategy identified that Westbrook needed a better local recreation park, especially to cater for projected growth.
“Rather than acquiring new land, Council proceeded with community consultation and planning to upgrade Carla Crescent Park to a local recreation parkland.
“The park is well located and its topography offers unique views and mature vegetation. These features complement the play elements and active recreation opportunities offered at the nearby parks.”
Cr McMahon said Council’s Open Space Strategy has identified the need for a second local recreation park node within Mt Peel Bushland Park on the eastern side of Westbrook by 2028.
“This would provide another park within walking distance for residents in Westbrook’s east,” he said.
“Residents will have the chance to provide input into the design at a later date.
“Future park planning for Westbrook will consider the town’s projected growth to the north and west and how residents will access the open space network.”
The park was allocated $175,798 from the 2022/23 TRC budget.
Carla Crescent Park joins Westbrook Park and Centenary Park, both on the southern side of town, as developed parks in Westbrook.
Jacob Court Park and Ferguson Road park remain undeveloped.
