Take a spin in Stanthorpe’s Kilpa Street Park

Children and the young at heart can now take a spin around Stanthorpe’s Kilpa Street Park thanks to 10-year old resident Isobella Kerrigan.

New play equipment was installed at the Monkey Park near Quart Pot Creek after Isobella penned a letter to Southern Downs Regional Council in September requesting a new roundabout.

Officially dubbed ‘Isobella’s Roundabout’, the $19,000 project was funded by Council and was completed in March. The new play equipment promises hours of fun, and was officially opened by its namesake along with Mayor Tracy Dobie and Councillors on Thursday, 4 April.

In her letter, addressed to SDRC CEO David Keenan, Isobella outlined a proposal for a “roundabout that spins around and you can jump on”.

“Hello my name is Isobella Kerrigan and I am 10 years old. I am writing to you for new playground equipment in Stanthorpe,” she wrote.

“We should get a roundabout. They are great fun and you never get bored with them. I am 10 and I’ve been playing in playgrounds my whole life, so I know how good they are. Everybody over the age of three can play on them.”

In a written response to Isobella, Mayor Tracy Dobie wrote: “Mr Keenan has spoken to me about your letter and as we already have an allocation in the budget for park equipment, we will be able to meet your request”.

Cr Dobie noted Isobella’s “strong argument for the rationale and reasons for the installation” of the roundabout.

She said Isobella had put forward a wonderful idea which would greatly enhance Stanthorpe’s Monkey Park.

“Thank you to Isobella for her suggestion to Council, we love hearing from our youngest residents,” Cr Dobie said.

“They are full of ideas and should be heard on the things that are important to them.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to meet Isobella’s request to install a new roundabout and

make improvements to one of the region’s many beautiful parks.

“We are always looking for new ways to enhance our community spaces. The new equipment is a wonderful investment and I have no doubt the roundabout will provide hours of fun for children and even some of our older residents who are still young at heart!”