Artists perspective of Cooke Park refit
Maleny’s Maple Street facelift has begun after 16 years of planning, several community consultation processes and budget bottlenecks inside Council.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council has now started work on a beautification and road project that extends from Myrtle Street to the Obi Obi Creek Bridge.
Stage one includes an upgrade to the Cooke Park frontage, a new Coral Street roundabout, Teak Street intersection, the addition of alfresco dining, street tree planting, new paving, street furniture, public art and signage.
Cr Jenny McKay said that she is pleased the upgrade is finally taking place as it catches up with the diverse and thriving nature of the Maleny community.
Work in progress at Cooke Park in Maple Street
“The project not only addresses the need, but takes into consideration the unique quality of the Maleny township while allowing for additional trees and street furniture, which will further enhance the current streetscape,” she said.
Increasing traffic in Maple Street, along with congestion at peak times during the day, have caused a headache for some years, although traffic lights were rejected as a solution by the community. Their preference has been for either one-way traffic through town or for roundabouts, the latter option chosen by council.
“The roundabouts designed for Coral Street and Myrtle Street, and the intersecting of Maple Street are paramount to safe vehicular movements for the community”, said Cr McKay.
Materials for the Maple Street upgrade will be carefully selected to reflect establishment of the timber town’s settlement origins. The use of timber, local stone and artwork will also be encouraged.
Plan of the new Cooke Park layout
Through extensive community consultation the community repeatedly asked for an upgrade that reflected the artistic, rural, historic, cooperative and organic nature of the district and its residents.
Sculptural artworks reflecting Maleny’s timber and dairy industry background, have been created and commissioned from local artists. They will feature along the length of Maple Street.
A large version of the Maple Street upgrade plan is on display at the Maleny Library until Monday August 17 and is available on council’s website.
The Department of infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government has provided council with $311,000 under the Community Infrastructure Program. This funding will enable the construction of the Cooke Park frontage works, which include shelters, paving, seating, artwork and street trees.
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