The radical transformation of one of Brisbane’s oldest open concrete drains into a 5.2 hectare urban parkland oasis for all residents is now complete.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner officially marked the opening of the Hanlon Park Rejuvenation project in Stones Corner with a community event at the weekend.
The Lord Mayor said the reintroduction of a naturalised waterway in Hanlon Park, as well as nature-themed play area, picnic shelters and pathways, would be a standard bearer for environmentally-friendly park projects across Australia.
“The rejuvenation of Hanlon Park is an incredible outcome and I’m confident it will be emulated elsewhere in Queensland and Australia,” he said.
“For about a century, a massive and ugly open concrete drain has run down the centre of the park, effectively cutting it in half.”
The innovative works project saw the drain removed and the reintroduction of a naturally flowing creek and nature area that includes 462 trees and 43,000 shrubs.
“The park also includes a kick-about space, seating and public artwork that has been designed to represent the growing native flora population,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“Along with locals, Hanlon Park is already attracting residents from right across Brisbane who are eager to experience this fantastic transformation of what is a well-known Brisbane park.
“The new nature-themed play area has been a hit with parents and carers wanting to keep little ones entertained, with a climbing tower, sandpit, water pump, swings and slides.”
Shared pathways with an underpass also connect Hanlon Park to Gladys Street via the Norman Creek bikeway.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said Hanlon Park also serves an important purpose in reducing localised flooding.
“The new waterway was designed to allow the channel to withstand a higher volume of water than the old concrete drain,” he said.
“There is some evidence it also may have helped mitigate flooding during this year’s flood.”
He said the park transformation was part of Council’s commitment to investing in the natural environment and creating “a better Brisbane”.
“Similarly to Hanlon Park, Archerfield Wetlands is also undergoing a transformation, with the former industrial site set to return to the public with an exciting new parkland precinct.”
“It’s all part of our plan to bring areas in our environment to life, creating more opportunities for rest and relaxation, fun and adventure,” the Lord Mayor said.
