Two parks in Oxley, Ed Kuepper Park and Nixon Park, are set to receive sunshade in early 2023 as part of Brisbane’s Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.
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Brisbane City Council rolled out the program in December 2022 in preparation for Brisbane’s hotter months. Council has allocated $10 million for the program which is expected to run for three years.
Through the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, both Ed Kuepper Park and Nixon Park will be retrofitted with shade covers that will help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.
“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” he said.
“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals.
“While we incorporate shade in all our new playgrounds when required, there are unfortunately some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.
Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne supports the Brisbane City Council Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program as a great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.
Mr Donne highlighted that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes.
It’s estimated that around 150 playgrounds throughout the city will be upgraded with shade under the program. The first installations were done at playgrounds in Alderley, Durack, Heathwood, and Runcorn.
Aside from installing shade sails, the Council is looking at investing in planting mature trees.
“Trees not only create a cleaner, greener Brisbane but are also a great source of shade,” said Cr Schrinner.
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To see the list of all playgrounds set to receive shade in 2023, visit Council’s website.
Published 1-March-2023
