Artificial lake and arboretum feature in 'destination' park plan approved for Gordonvale


Plans for a state-of-the-art multi-million dollar park development at Gordonvale will move into the detailed design phase, after Cairns Regional Council approved the project at its general meeting today.

The proposal for the five hectare site, taking in the current Kenrick Street and Fisher Road parks, includes an artificial lake, an arboretum, off-leash dog area, skate bowl and play tower.



$8.7-million has been set aside in the Council’s current 10-year capital budget, with work scheduled to begin in 2022.

Council’s Parks and Natural Areas Planner Luke Jackson said it will provide a high standard outdoor area that enables a wide range of recreational activities for all age groups and abilities in the growing southern corridor.

“This future ‘destination’ park will add to the appeal of the region,” he said.

“The unique arboretum will take many years to mature but the vision and foresight adopted today will pay dividends for many generations to come.”

The plan is to create a distinctly tropical arboretum, which can be used for events such as wedding ceremonies and birthday parties.

A longer term feature of the proposal is a community common, which would be a cultural centre featuring a gently sloping grassed amphitheatre with a stage.

“This would act as a hub for the community and being located within the park, would provide opportunities for both indoor and outdoor community activities,” Mr Jackson said.

Stage three is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The current plan includes:

  • A loop pathway and boardwalk around the park
  • A regional arboretum
  • Landscaping defined into the shape of leaf pods that creates several different areas or glades that can be used for different purposes such as play, parties, and hire for celebrations
  • A large community common for events
  • Two car parks
  • A skate bowl and BMX track
  • A fenced dog off leash area
  • A neighbourhood centre
  • An artificial lake to cool the site down and better manage drainage
  • Play spaces including a large tower play structure
  • General improvements including seating, shelters, toilets, BBQs, water bubblers & picnic tables
  • A central pathway spine linking Dempsey Street with Fisher Road