The popular Choo-choo Park located on Belvedere Road in Claremont has undergone a refurbishment thanks to a joint effort between the Friends of the Park organisation and local Ward Councillor Matthew Kempthorne (Ward 58).

The park’s iconic locomotive was in a state of deterioration and community members decided to form the Friends group to remedy the situation. Working in collaboration with the City Parks department, the locomotive was given a new coat of paint which should keep it in good shape for the foreseeable future. Donations towards the refurbishment were gratefully received from local businesses in the area.

City Parks staff assisted in the initiative by repainting the existing park equipment and repairing the slide. Cllr Kempthorne also contributed ward allocation funding towards the installation of rubber matting for the play park equipment. A suggestion has also been put forward by Cllr Ian Iversen to have a jogging track installed around the park’s perimeter. This proposal will be raised with the Friends of the Park for further input.

“The newly upgraded park is being well used by residents. I thank the City Parks department for their involvement, and I encourage the community to make use of the recreational space to enjoy family picnics and games for as long as the fine weather lasts,” said Cllr Iversen.