February 18, 2016
Taabinga Rotary Club has launched an ambitious plan to give Kingaroy’s Town Common walking track a $250,000 upgrade.
Club president Darrin Kefford said club members had been looking around for a worthwhile community project, and had decided the walking / exercise track which runs alongside various Kingaroy sporting fields could do with a makeover.
The Club approached the South Burnett Regional Council with their proposal, and already draft plans have been suggested.
Darrin said the idea was for Taabinga Rotary to partner with other local service and sporting clubs, and local businesses, to make the draft plan a reality.
“Taabinga Rotary has a proud history of service to the local community,” he said.
The $5000 raised at the club’s 2015 Bookarama has already been set aside for the project, and Darrin is confident the local Rotary District will be able to contribute another $5000.
That just leaves $240,000 … but already the Club, with the assistance of Council, is identifying possible funding avenues, and South Burnett Directions has offered to assist with the grant writing.
Darrin said the project would include upgrading the track surface, a dozen new exercise stations, picnic tables, shelters and barbecues, landscaping and creating children’s play spaces.
Lighting would also be installed to improve safety and to allow the facilities to be used at night.
Darrin said Taabinga Rotary was inviting input from the sporting clubs that already use the Town Common about their vision for the area.
He said the plan was for the project to be completed in three stages.
Stage 1 would involve the construction of 12 exercise stations at various points along the existing track and the installation of lighting.
The track surface from River Road to Kingaroy Street would upgraded to a sealed all-weather surface in Stage 2, and the proposed public amenities installed.
Stage 3 would see an additional public access bridge installed across the stormwater drain that borders the precinct.
“The addition of modern exercise stations will create new opportunities for local soccer, cricket, rugby league and AFL sporting clubs, whose grounds back onto the corridor, to support their health and training initiatives,” Darrin said.
“Also, once completed, the upgraded fitness trail will be an attractive venue for the community to use in support of their individual and group health programs and regimes.”
Darrin said he hoped other service clubs, local businesses and sporting groups would be able to assist with the project via cash or in-kind donations.
Taabinga Rotary has written to local businesses seeking their support. These letters of support will be used to accompany funding applications to demonstrate community backing for the project.
“There is also an opportunity for organisations to support the project financially,” Darrin said.
“Gold Sponsorship is available at $5000, Silver Sponsorship $2500 and Bronze Sponsorship $500.
“Gold sponsors will be acknowledged on signs at the entrances to the exercise track precinct and have naming sights for one of the exercise stations, Silver sponsors will be acknowledged on signs at the entrances to the exercise track precinct and have shared naming sights for one of the exercise stations, whilst Bronze Sponsors will be acknowledged on signs at the entrances to the exercise track precinct.”
He said the Club was also looking for in-kind assistance during the construction phase from local businesses or sporting groups.
Will a couple of the exercise posts be suitable for seniors? I think there are senior ones available.