Nature Play
Integrating a back-to-nature aesthetic into the reserve and play equipment, emphasising a natural play experience
Reserve upgrades
Latest updates
Council construction crews have completed the reconstruction works and the Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve is now open to the public.
Upgrades have been made as a result of community feedback
- Over 100 mature trees have been planted
- 35,000 plants installed
- 22,000 square meters of turf has been laid
- 625 meters of gardens mulched
- More than 2,500 square meters of concrete poured
See some of the key features that the community shared and how they were incorporated into the design and construction below.
Nature inspired playground
Paths and walkways
Access to amenities
Water observation spaces
Adequate shade
Cultural and Heritage connections
What works have been completed?
Rehabilitation works at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve (Colleges Crossing) are progressing well with works running on schedule. The site remains completely closed to the public while the remainder of works are undertaken (see map below). Results from community engagement specifically relating to the cultural elements of the new design for Colleges Crossing have now been finalised. Cultural elements will include:
- Totem landscape features (example shown below)
- educational/interpretive signage
- sandblasted artwork
- artwork on sandstone blocks.
What works are coming up?
The construction phase of works at Colleges Crossing continues, with bulk earthworks now complete and installation of services to the site have commenced. These works include the installation of power, solar lighting and irrigation.
When will this work take place?
Construction works are currently underway with the project expected to reach completion in late 2024/early 2025.
Rehabilitation works at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve (Colleges Crossing) are progressing well with works to demolish infrastructure on the site now complete. The site remains completely closed to the public while the remainder of works are undertaken.
The construction phase of works at Colleges Crossing has commenced, with bulk earthworks now in progress to be followed by works to install services including power, solar lighting and irrigation.
Works to reconstruct the reserve will take some time and it is estimated that construction works will be complete in late 2024/early 2025.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be undertaking works at Colleges Crossing Bridge. These works are being undertaken to:
- protect the bridge structure against further scouring
- stabilise the batter slope
- ensure network safety and preserve assets
For further information on this work, contact TMR via email metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 3066 4338 during business hours.
View the TMR notification that has been sent to the surrounding residents.
The successful contractor, Epoca, will commence demolition works on the reserve from Sunday 25 February 2024. Works to reconstruct the reserve will take some time and it is estimated that the reserve will open in late 2024/early 2025.
Council approved a $5.5m tender for Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve's (the reserve) rehabilitation. The successful contractor, Epoca, will commence demolition works on the reserve from Sunday 25 February 2024. Works to reconstruct the reserve will take some time and it is estimated that the reserve will open in late 2024/early 2025.
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve (the reserve) on the Brisbane River at Chuwar is a special place for the community and remains culturally significant for the Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It has been popular for picnics, sport, tourism, water activities and for the continuation of cultural practices and connections for many years.
The reserve was significantly damaged in the flood events experienced in both February and May 2022. At present, the site is closed to the public to enable rehabilitation works to be undertaken (see map below).
We are focused on making a reserve that is more flood resilient (which can be re-opened more quickly and at a lower cost after each flood event), while also ensuring our First Nations People and the wider community can continue to enjoy the reserve now and into the future.
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve - Location of works (indicative only)
This image includes information on the Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve overflow carpark.
Final Design
The below concept designs have been created for the rehabilitation of Colleges Crossing.
Proposed Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve redesign.
How you shared
Community Pop-ups
We would like to hear from as many people as possible so will be sharing the project at pop-ups in Ipswich.
Saturday 25 March 2023
9am - 11am
Library Hub outside Coles
2, 5 and 6 April 2023
9am - 1pm
Tulmur Place
Thursday 13 April
6pm - 8pm
Community Booth near the food court
What you shared
Consultation complete.
These are some key features which community said were important for the park and how they have been included in the design.
-
-
Water
Transformed the existing concrete launching area into a natural water entry point
-
Roadside Food Vendors
Designated open space that facilitates the operation of roadside food vendors
-
Amenities
A new toilet block has been installed
-
Shade
Mature trees have been preserved, new trees planted, and shade cloth installed over playground areas
Community Engagement Summary
Who shared
Project News
See all of the news about the re-opening of Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve
Would you also like to upload your photos to Ipswich Libraries' digital archive of photos and historical resources?
