Stockland has started work on its new Space Park in Nirimba, located in Stockland’s Aura community on the Sunshine Coast.

Inspired by space exploration and the moon landing, Space Park will feature a rocket ship tower, moon-shaped shade sails, a climbable crater, control panels, inspirational space quotes in the pavement and star lights in the ceiling panels of the picnic shelter.

A communal shade structure with large tables and seating will also be built, including individual stools, representing the shape of the Southern Cross constellation.

Stockland Project Director, Josh Sondergeld said Space Park will be the perfect place for children and adults to gather, relax, and play.

“For Stockland, parks and recreational spaces are a very important part of the communities we create,” said Mr Sondergeld.

“There are currently 17 parks at Aura which are enjoyed by residents, and we’re also seeing families from across the Sunshine Coast and south towards Brisbane coming spending time at our parks.

“We feel confident that the two parks currently under construction — Whale Park in Banya and now Space Park in Nirimba — will be great additions as we expand the Aura Park Trail to offer nearly 20 great options for kids and adults alike,” Mr Sondergeld said.

Space Park’s designer, Kate Heise-Seabrook from Urban Play, said Space Park is filled with rich play opportunities and is designed to transport imaginations to outer space.

“We’ve incorporated feature signage discussing the history of space along a bike circuit that connects a number of play spaces in the park. While this provides some fun facts for children, it also encourages them to use their imagination as they are playing,” Ms Heise-Seabrook said.

Space Park’s landscape architect Tony Mitchell, from Place Design Group, believes creating emotional and physical opportunities is key when designing parks.

“In Space Park we have tried to let each child’s imagination really ‘shoot for the stars’, in the play pieces, the stories and visual stimulus… you never know, maybe in the future these budding astronauts will get to live that dream,” Mr Mitchell said.

The park will also include three open kick-around areas, along with additional smaller grassed areas and seating under leafy, shaded trees.

Across the Sunshine Coast region, Stockland has delivered more than 50 parks and playgrounds, dog parks, walkable waterfronts, and sports parks.

Construction of Space Park is set to be completed in June 2023. More information on the Aura community can be found at www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/aura.