New facilities in the park have been themed to reflect the adjacent creek, its abundant wildlife and restored habitats for native fish. 

These include a custom-designed tower nestled among natural surroundings, a dry creek bed with misters and a timber footbridge and nature play area.

And in a city first, new fitness equipment in the park includes a Magneto Cycle, which boasts a wireless phone charger.

“The more you cycle and exercise, the faster your phone will charge,” said Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell.

The project was funded by the Division 3 Local Infrastructure Program along with Council’s Major Parks and Asset Replacement Programs

Cr Russell said Mabel Park’s proximity to two schools makes it a popular outdoor destination in the afternoons as well as on weekends.

“Authentic play is where children’s minds best develop,” she said.

“Apart from state-of-the-art play-inspiring facilities, the park design includes plenty of seating that faces inwards.

“By providing comfort to supervising adults and carers, children are likely to have more time to lose themselves in this new little world of wonder and the adults are more likely to get involved.”

To ensure fun activities are also educational, the upgrade includes a junior skills bicycle and scooter track that features mini replica road signs.

Other upgrade features include:

• Repainting of basketball and volleyball equipment along with fresh line markings 
• Barbecue areas and new seating
• Chessboard table

A free family fun day, to celebrate the upgrade, will be hosted in Mabel Park on Thursday, December 7 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.  

Lifestyle Chair Councillor Tony Hall said park upgrades are being rolled out across the city in time for the upcoming school holidays.

“We encourage residents of all ages to live active and healthy outdoor lifestyles and having parks packed with practical, fun and educational facilities makes it easier to do that,” Cr Hall said.

Other major upgrades expected to be opened before Christmas include:

• Alexander Clark Park (Loganholme): A multi-staged $6.34 million makeover featuring a giant koala-shaped play tower along with a range of other playground equipment and facilities.
• Riverdale Park (Meadowbrook): A $2.5 million playground upgrade featuring a dinosaur theme that includes a skeletal climbing structure along with exercise equipment, picnic shelters and additional barbecue facilities.