Splash park trees to go next week

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Shaun Hollis

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Designs for the new $3.3m Port Douglas splash park.

Several “clusters of trees” will be removed from Jalunbu Park behind the Port Douglas Surf Club next week as preliminary works start on the new $3.3m splash park.

An update from Douglas Shire Council sent out to residents who have subscribed states “the removal of the trees will take three days”, starting on Tuesday, December 3, and finishing on Thursday, December 5, with work taking place from 7am to 6pm.

“Preliminary work is set to commence next week with the removal of three clusters of trees,” the update reads.

“Neighbouring residents will be impacted with noise from increased truck movements and machinery, including a woodchipper and chainsaws.

“Once the trees are removed, the disturbed areas will be made level with sand.”

The splash park plan has been backed by many people on social media.

“Well I for one am very grateful to council for finally getting this project underway. We are a town that relies on tourists, and visiting families are attracted by what we have to offer,” wrote Dawn Cruikshank.

But some Newsport readers have expressed concerns, including about the removal of trees.

“Let’s hope that this splash park is not surrounded by concrete and no shade. PLEASE keep those gorgeous shady trees - they’ll be needed,” Nicole Phelps wrote.

The water-based playground is set to include a nature-themed splash park with a 400sq m splash pad, new footpaths, picnic shelters, a barbeque area and a carpark upgrade.

The play area will include nozzles that can shower, spray, rain, mist, dump or shoot steams of water.

There will be no pools of water, so lifeguards or fencing will not be needed.

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon this week welcomed the splash park announcement.

“It’s quite exciting to have this finally happening,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“I think the community will be happy once this is finished and I think we will be too.”

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