The much-awaited outcomes to two key projects will finally be revealed at tomorrow's Douglas Shire ordinary meeting.

For months, Douglas shire residents have patiently waited to learn of the latest developments about both the splash park and lagoon based on the public consultation that was previously open between February 17 to March 3.

“Details of the public consultation are scheduled to be presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 June and made public at the same time. A full report of the findings will be attached,” Mayor Michael Kerr told Newsport.

Locals had the chance back then to attend sessions on February 18 to provide their feedback as well as fill out an online survey on the Douglas Shire website.

Among the questions asked was the preferred location of the splash park, which consisted of Reynolds or Jalunbu Park. In more recent times Council would not 100% confirm that entry to a new splash park in Port Douglas would be free.

On its information booklet Council said its committed to delivering a splash park by May 2024.

Further feedback requested during its public consultation period queried whether Douglas Shire locals want either a lagoon or 50 metre pool at Reynolds park.

Council said, if built the lagoon would be unfenced, entry would be free and lifeguards would be required to supervise swimmers at the facility.

Meantime, Council confirmed the progress of other key projects around town.

Port Douglas sporting precinct

“The Port Douglas sports precinct continues to progress,” Mayor Kerr said.

“The netball courts were re-coated a few months back and the skatepark is in design phase with a specialist consultant.

“A repurposed ticket booth was moved to the Wharf Street entrance three weeks ago.

“The mountain bike skills park is in the planning phase with that user group.”

Rex Smeal playground development

“Council is looking to construct an off-the-shelf standard playground in the short-term,” Mr Kerr told Newsport.

“It is proposed that this infrastructure will be a temporary solution, while Council continues to investigate potential grant funding opportunities to implement the desired vision of the green ant project in the long term.”

Douglas Shire Council closed Rex Smeal Park last September/October after it identified critical safety issues with the play equipment.

A notice was placed on Council’s website on October 13, 2022 advising of the critical safety issues and playground closure.

Council said one of the main load bearing posts on the top deck of the ship had disintegrated due to wood rot and wasn’t safe to take any further and future weight.

Due to the age of the equipment, DSC said it wasn’t feasible to repair and it was removed.