SOMETHING ABOUT GUYATT PARK

Today I went for an early morning stroll and found myself walking through Guyatt Park, and as per usual thought, "Why do I never feel comfortable here?"

Guyatt Park looking shabby

Back in early September I contacted the Brisbane City Council through their Fix-o-gram lamenting its state and that it seemed to lack a user-friendly feel to it. This was in response to a council report on parks being restored to their former glory. I was reliably in formed that work would be undertaken shortly to restore the park, but that there were no plans for improvements. True to their word this is happening.

The present works to correct drainage and level the area

Speaking with Cr Julian Simmonds, the councillor for the Walter Taylor Ward, which encompasses St Lucia, who is also a member of the Environment, Parks & Sustainability Committee as well as the Neighbourhood Planning & Development Assessment Committee, advised that funding is only available for the work being presently undertaken. Poor drainage has been an ongoing problem in the park and has been exasperated by the floods hence the filling and levelling of the site. Cr Simmonds acknowledged that the site has evolved on an ad hoc basis, but he blamed this on these drainage problems with sinkholes and depressions restricting placement of playgrounds, barbecues etc.

But what of the future? Cr Simmonds said, "... there is no master plan in place," in relation to the future of the park. However, now that the underlying problems are being addressed he advised that there is potential to make these plans and that any specific suggestions or feedback would be valued. Funding these is an issue though. On a positive note, the council will be making WiFi available to this park shortly which will add some user-friendly appeal.

By undertaking the survey below, information can be forwarded to Cr Simmonds in an effort to make changes to Guyatt Park for it to become a well utilised, community friendly place that all residents and visitors can be proud of.

Guyatt Park Survey