The Concept Plan sets out the vision for Cosmos Park. It considers current and future use. The plan aims to balance the needs of different members of the community and enhance the opportunity of the site by:
- identifying improvements and the best use of the space
- enabling planning for future works
- ensuring the site is suitable and relevant to the needs of the current and future community
- protecting the areas and qualities of the site
- enhancing biodiversity and habitat
- providing suitable gathering, play and recreation spaces
District recreation type open spaces support the social, cultural, leisure and recreational needs of district ctachment or a number of residential neighbourhoods. These parks provide a diverse range of facilities and spaces in a variety of settings to cater for large numbers of people.
Moreton Bay is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and we need new community facilities to keep up with demand. There are currently no District Recreation Parks on Bribie Island. The many features of Cosmos Park, including its size, accessibility and existing shade means that it is a preferred location to deliver this type of recreational precinct to service current and future communities.
The current, centralised location of the DOLA restricts the potential for the development of new embellishments in the park. Its current position also limits the ability to create a connected series of park experiences and uses. The relocation of the DOLA will enable the provision of recreational facilities that meet the District level, and facilities and upgrades that benefit sports, recreation and community users. The relocation also removes the DOLA away from overland and stormwater flow areas, resulting in greater turf growth and resilience and reduce conflicts with other park users, flora and fauna.
The new dog off-leash area will provide:
- an area slightly larger than the existing dog off-leash area
- separate areas for large and small dogs
- improved fencing with angled corners to reduce chances of entrapment
- a shade structure and plenty of seating
- open spaces for ball throwing and exploring
- improved footpath connectivity
- additional shade trees planted to provide natural shade
- better separation from other park users.
Yes, some trees in the vicinity of the pickleball courts will be removed but only ones that have been identified by a professional arborist. The trees identified to be removed are in poor health and degrading and further degradation could result in safety risk to park users. These trees will be replaced at a 3 to 1 ratio, meaning for every tree we remove we will replace it with three new arborist approved species. These will be a mix of more advanced trees and smaller trees.
An additional 14 carparking spaces are proposed in the Concept Plan but these will be delivered in future stages of the project's delivery.
It is intended the improvements in the Concept Plan will be delivered in stages over future years, subject to budget allocations.
Stage 1 includes the following upgrades:
- relocation and upgrade of the Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) with separate spaces for large and small dogs
- four new pickleball courts, basketball hoop and key and outdoor fitness equipment
- more assessable pathways and connections into and throughout the park including links from Tradewinds Drive and the existing carpark
- new picnic shelters, seating, softscape and shade tree planting
- improvements to drainage.
