An old wastewater treatment plant is now Queensland’s best park, 12 months after its transformation.
Brisbane’s Archerfield Wetlands District Park was awarded the top gong at that recent Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) regional Awards of Excellence.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards celebrated the state’s most outstanding examples of innovative parkland design, management and long-term community value.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said Archerfield Wetlands District Park, which opened in September 2024, was a former wastewater treatment site which had been transferee into an exciting adventure and recreation hub in the suburbs.
“The four-hectare park is located at 455 Bowhill Road, Durack and has rapidly become one of Brisbane’s most popular southside destinations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors in its first year alone.”
He said the park offered something for everyone, including:
- A huge adventure playground with water-play features.
- A youth hub with a full-sized basketball court.
- Picnic and barbecue areas.
- A community lawn for markets, cinema nights and events.
- A bookable event and meeting room.
- A Bushfood Garden Trail.
- The Oxley Creek Catchment Association headquarters and native plant nursery.
- Direct access to the 2.9km Archerfield Wetlands Discovery Trail, connecting into the wider 150-hectare wetlands.
- More than 67,000 native plants and trees planted to provide shade and habitat
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the win highlighted the success of the broader Oxley Creek Transformation – a 20-year initiative to reimagine 20 kilometres of urban waterway into a world-class lifestyle and leisure corridor.
He said awards ceremony also recognised two other new Brisbane facilities, with Brisbane International Cycle Park at Murarrie receiving the award for Community Facility of the Year and the Urban Pump Track at Herston receiving a commendation in its category.
