Skate area part of big Todd Park upgrade

A NEW activity precinct at Bentley Park has been completed in time for the summer school holidays.

A $900,000 upgrade of Todd Park, formerly known as Little Fretwell Park, features a transition mini ramp skate park suitable for beginner to intermediate riders, a play area with flying fox, basket swing and climbing bars, a resurfaced basketball court and social hangout areas connecting the activity stations.

Division 2 Councillor John Schilling said a highlight of the upgrade was a 48m gabion/ skillion roof that provided allweather play.

“This is the first partially covered piece of skate infrastructure in the Cairns region,” he said.

“We all know that it gets a little wet at this time of year, so there is no better time to unveil this fantastic addition to the many youth spaces in our parks throughout the region.

“The covered areas will extend its use and I am sure it will become a destination for young people and families right across Cairns.”

Cr Schilling said some extra colour had been added to the park through a recent urban art project.

“Council partnered with the Youth Justice Department and the result is eye-catching and adds some character to the park,” he said.

Little Fretwell Park was renamed Todd Park in June 2018.

The Todd family were pioneers in the Edmonton area, establishing and working a sugar cane farm in the Bentley Park area from the 1940s.

The family farm was where the park is.

Residents and park users are invited to a free barbecue today from 11am to celebrate the completion of the park’s refurbishment.