News
27 October, 2024
Pool and park are top of wish list
AN aquatic centre and new district park have been revealed as the top two priorities for the community in findings released as part of the Maleny District Sports and Recreation Club (MDSRC) 2024 draft strategic plan.
AN aquatic centre and new district park have been revealed as the top two priorities for the community in findings released as part of the Maleny District Sports and Recreation Club (MDSRC) 2024 draft strategic plan.
Details of the plan were delivered to Sunshine Coast Council as well as clubs last week.
The MDSRC undertook the community survey to create and align its mission and values with the wants and needs of local residents and clubs. The findings were sourced from 241 community responses, seven workshops and a mix of club meetings, community events and surveys by, Technical Assistance and Research Analysis (TARA).
TARA’s Dr Theresa Craig, said it was critical for umbrella organisations such as MDSRC, which has about 60 member clubs, to have a purpose clearly understood by the community.
“This has been an invaluable exercise in first understanding what the community broadly wants but also what they want the MDSRC to be able to do for them and how MDSRC can align its own mission and values with the wider community,” Dr Craig, who is also the MDSRC secretary, said.
When asked to rank facilities needed in the district, a new primary pool gathered ranking score of all votes at 70 per cent, ahead of playgrounds (53 per cent), hydrotherapy facilities (51 per cent) and toilets (50 per cent. “The feedback that came in is that any pool facility will do, we just need something,” Dr Craig said.
The current state-owned pool is ageing and largely not fit for ongoing public service. Council has also been hamstrung by the inability to find an ongoing manager of the current facilities.
Both state and local governments agree it is unlikely to open again. And while planning is progressing at a community level for a new aquatic centre, there is currently no funding commitments from any level of government for the project.
The council is pushing forward with plans for a district park but there is little known about where it would be located, facilities or timelines for construction. The draft plan also revealed the services the community expected from the MDSRC.
These included: Expand youth activities; Publish newsletter of clubs/community-related topics; Advocate/support clubs to three levels of government. Promote clubs to the community; and assistance to develop new/shared facilities. After aquatic facilities, top public facilities wanted by the community were playgrounds, toilets, trails, picnic areas, nature areas, dog park, and exercise stations.
The strategic plan includes timelines including short-term goals such as continuing to convert the MDSRC lease into open play area. The committee also hopes to include all “reasonable future facilities into a scaled master plan” within the next 12 months.
The MDSRC strategic plan would also see it pursue funding to level the open play area into two open sports fields and prepare a detailed trails plan that aligns with a district park plan.
Longer term plans include the pursuit of funding for a range of facilities including basketball court and a skateboard park. “The strategic plan spells out to members and the community that we understand what is wanted and how we can help,” Dr Craig said.
“When you look at volunteer groups that are successful you can motivate more about why you exist. “If people know the motive, this brings more people on board who share a common passion.
