William Taylor Memorial Sports Field upgrade project

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Council has commenced upgrading the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field at Thorneside.

In June 2021, the four tennis courts were re-opened after being renewed with a premium sports surface, new lighting, fencing, gates, nets and net posts. The existing tennis court shelters also received new lighting and had their roofs repaired while the two public cricket nets were renewed and relocated.

The next stage of the project proposes improvements to the sporting club facilities, the recreation area and infrastructure such as footpaths and drainage across the site.

Consultation with tenant clubs, their members, Thorneside locals and other park users will

Council has commenced upgrading the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field at Thorneside.

In June 2021, the four tennis courts were re-opened after being renewed with a premium sports surface, new lighting, fencing, gates, nets and net posts. The existing tennis court shelters also received new lighting and had their roofs repaired while the two public cricket nets were renewed and relocated.

The next stage of the project proposes improvements to the sporting club facilities, the recreation area and infrastructure such as footpaths and drainage across the site.

Consultation with tenant clubs, their members, Thorneside locals and other park users will take place at various points throughout the project.

  • August update

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    Council has allocated $1.2 million towards the upgrade of the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field project in its 2023-24 budget. The full program of works is expected to be planned, designed and delivered over several years, with the funding from this financial year to be directed towards sports field lighting.

    Other park features at this site, including the recreational elements located near the community hall, are subject to future planning, design, and budget allocation.

    More information about this exciting upgrade project will be shared with tenant clubs and community members as the project progresses.

  • Young locals help plan skate and BMX upgrades

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    Council’s external skate park design consultant led two workshops on 17 May 2022 to explore options to replace the existing skate and BMX features at William Taylor Memorial Sports Field.

    30 locals participated in the design workshops, including professionals, young skate and BMX park users and parents.

    They explored a range of ideas and options, and provided input that will guide the final design of these skate and BMX facilities, and encourage local participation in these sports.

    Subject to future budget allocation, some of the layout outcomes include:

    • the skate park will remain located away from the road in response to community feedback on the initial layout plan
    • Petanque sports requirements to be met for the court size and shelter
    • BMX track to include a mix of natural elements, skill obstacles and dirt jumps
    • Skatepark to incorporate a flow that allows creativity of use.


    Design work starts

    Design of change rooms, car park and associated pathways has commenced and is expected to improve connectivity and accessibility as well as stormwater management, at William Taylor Memorial Sports Fields.

    Council also plans to conduct a lighting audit of the site this year, investigating the potential for future designs to incorporate LED to meet sports-specific standards and city planning requirements.

    Further design and construction works are subject to Council’s future budget priorities.

  • Community backs plans for popular Thorneside sports park

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    01 Dec 2021

    Consultation about the upgrade of William Taylor Memorial Sports Field at Thorneside has revealed strong community backing for the draft concept plan.

    Mayor Karen Williams said the plan was developed by Redland City Council in collaboration with the primary tenant sporting clubs that call the sports field home – Mooroondu Sport and Recreation Club, Mooroondu Football Club, Wellington Point Cricket, Thorneside Community Tennis and Raiders Netball Club.

    “It was reassuring to see club members, park users and locals felt confidence in the benefits the plan would provide, Cr Williams said.

    “Nearly 300 survey responses, including written submissions, were received during the consultation period, and nearly three-quarters of those indicated support for the plan.

    “Knowing the plan is on the right track, making the most of the space for the clubs and the wider community, is a strong step towards progressing the project.

    “Council officers will continue to work with clubs, including smaller clubs like the Petanque Club Brisbane Southside, as the planning and design phases progress.

    “Consultation outcomes also revealed that Redlands Coast is fairly evenly split between preferring a natural environment or sports theme for the new play space, with the project team appreciating the suggestion from numerous respondents of combining the two to create a natural/sports theme.

    “For the BMX and skate park area, it was not too surprising to hear that the half pipe is a well-loved if ageing feature, with respondents also telling us they liked the range of elements, community-friendly feel, shady position, and co-location with other activities.

    “Our skaters and BMX riders are excited about the prospect of better facilities, and we will soon be in touch with respondents who indicated interest in the targeted skate and bike facilities consultation that will be led by an external skate and bike park design consultant.

    “Having users involved in the planning will help ensure a great space for people from all sections of the community, now and into the future.”

    Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said he appreciated the time that so many community members took to have their say about the upgrade.

    “It was really wonderful to hear that nearly 300 engaged local people took time to not only find out about the plans for William Taylor Memorial Sports Field but to let Council know what they think of them.

    “Community feedback and input is invaluable when the aim is to create a space for everyone.

    “I have been aware for some time that there has been a desire for changes in the area and am pleased that residents have expressed their views to council officers, so they can design for local needs.

    “I thank every respondent for this expression of community spirit and participation.

    “Consultation outcomes will now play a part in designing the new play space, further developing the site plan and informing the upcoming targeted consultation about the skate and BMX facilities.

    “We know that many people really enjoy the relaxed feeling and natural environment within the area, while others like to exercise formally or informally at different times of the day, week and year.

    “After feedback from clubs and individuals, I’m looking forward to seeing plans that make the best use of the space, with features that will maintain natural values yet also offer exciting options for skaters, scooters and BMX riders of varying ages and abilities.”

  • Consultation on the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field upgrade has concluded

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    Thank you to everyone who participated. This project is an important part of Council’s efforts to provide for the current as well as future sport and recreation needs of Redlands Coast.

    During the consultation period, the project page had over 600 visitors, nearly 300 written submissions were received and a diversity of views and ideas were captured.

    Community feedback is now being reviewed and analysed so outcomes can be shared. Council will be having conversations with user groups in the coming weeks to capture further information to inform upgrade plans. User groups will include skaters, scooter and BMX riders, petanque players, and sports field users including football (soccer), cricket, netball and tennis.

  • More time to help shape prized Redlands Coast park – survey closing date extended to 24 September 2021

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    Redland City Council is providing an extra two weeks during which those interested in the future of Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sports Field will be able to have their say.

    Mayor Karen Williams said that, while more than 180 people had already provided input, extending the survey period to 24 September would give more people the opportunity to review the draft site layout and improvements to the recreation area.

    “The proposed upgrade at William Taylor Memorial Sports Field follows a recent renewal of the tennis courts and public cricket nets,” Cr Williams said.

    “Council is still keen to hear what park features users enjoy. The two-minute survey focuses on the recreation area, including the theme of the play space and skate park, which includes the bike skills track, with space to provide views on the proposed site layout.

    “While the survey will remain open until 24 September 2021, the competition to win one of three $100 gift cards will still end on 10 September 2021, so I would encourage people to get in early and not miss that opportunity.”

    Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said numerous locals and other users had contacted him in support of the consultation and wanting to share their views about this sports park upgrade.

    “William Taylor Memorial Sports Field is beloved in the Thorneside community. Having extra time for consultation will allow local residents, youth and families to offer feedback during week one of the holidays, which is very important,” Cr Bishop said.

    “Officers have worked together with tenant clubs and identified some drainage, access and layout issues that need to be managed, with some changes proposed across the balance of the site. Local residents also have a lot knowledge and wisdom that can help Council plans for this open space area, which includes Charles Toni Reserve.

    “I’m pleased there will be further conversations with other user groups once the consultation period is finished.”

    It is expected the detailed design for the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field will be finalised by June 2022, ready for construction when funding becomes available.

    To complete the two minute survey and to find out more about the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Upgrade, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au.

    The competition to win the three $100 gift cards will close on 10 September 2021 with gift card winners being selected via random draw.

  • Help shape prized Redlands Coast park

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    Redlands Coast residents can help shape the future of Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sports Field, with those who complete a two-minute survey by 10 September 2021 able to go into the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards.

    Mayor Karen Williams said the survey, which opens on 27 August, would help Council better understand what locals, tenant sporting clubs and other park users would like to see at the popular park.

    “We know that Redlands Coast residents value their open spaces and will be enjoying the new tennis and cricket facilities which opened at William Taylor in June and are looking forward to the upgraded public toilets, picnic facilities and a bike skills zone, as well as the renewed play space, skate park, BMX/cycling, petanque court and carpark,” Cr Williams said.

    “This survey now gives Thorneside locals and other park users, including sporting clubs, the opportunity to influence a sports, natural environment or discovery theme for the new toddler-primary play space, as well as the option to suggest other ideas.

    “Similarly, by letting us know what they like about the existing skate park, our growing skating community will help design a facility with features they would like to use.

    “Detailed design of the recreation area will start later this year and will consider the survey results together with the site plan already developed in collaboration with the sporting clubs that call William Taylor home.

    “The detailed design will be finalised by June 2022, ready for construction when funding becomes available.”

    Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council was eager to hear from Thorneside locals and other park users, after having recent formal discussion with committee members of the tenant sporting clubs about the proposed improvements.

    “The renewed tennis courts and public cricket nets have already brought a new lease of life to this local sport and recreation hub at William Taylor Sports Reserve,” he said.

    “Over the years, I have heard requests for upgrades and changes to reflect diverse needs within our local area. Now, council has committed to provide a play space the neighbourhood will enjoy using as well as a revamped skate, scooter, BMX facility that might encourage even more young people to get outdoors and get active within a safe and family friendly environment.

    “We will be letterbox-dropping paper copies of the survey to residents around William Taylor as an additional way for those who live nearby to let us know their views. However, the easiest way to complete the survey is online at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

    “As local councillor, I really urge locals to share your views. After the survey closes on 10 September, it would be great to have received a high number of participants in this consultation activity, as this is what will help ensure an open space that the entire community can enjoy for years to come.”

    To complete the two minute survey and enter the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards, and to find out more about the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Upgrade, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au. Gift card winners will be selected via random draw.

Page last updated: 07 Aug 2023, 02:11 PM