Mapleton’s Lilyponds Park has unveiled upgraded accessible amenities following a sustained community campaign led by the Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA), demonstrating the power of local advocacy in creating inclusive public spaces.
After more than a year of dedicated lobbying by local advocacy groups, Sunshine Coast Council has delivered a comprehensive $480,000 upgrade to Lilyponds Park, with accessible public toilets at the heart of the transformation. The project, which began construction in August 2025, is now complete and the amenities block opened to the public on Thursday, November 13, addressing long-standing concerns about accessibility and equity in the Mapleton community.
MADCA Leads the Charge
The reopening represents a significant victory for MADCA, whose sustained advocacy ensured that accessibility remained central to the park’s redevelopment. Peter Gamgee, President of MADCA, worked closely with council representatives throughout the consultation process, championing the needs of residents requiring accessible facilities.
For years, community feedback had highlighted the pressing need for upgrades, particularly from disability advocates and visitors who faced barriers due to the lack of a compliant public amenity in Mapleton. MADCA’s leadership in mobilising residents and maintaining pressure on decision-makers proved instrumental in securing the necessary funding and commitment from council.
A Modern, Inclusive Facility
The $350,000 amenities upgrade has transformed the park’s facilities, delivering:
- One fully compliant unisex accessible (PWD/DDA-compliant) cubicle
- One ambulant unisex cubicle
- One standard unisex cubicle
- A new accessible pathway connecting the facilities to the sealed car park
- A new bore for water with pump and filter system
- Natural light and ventilation plus lighting for night-time use
Mayor Rosanna Natoli celebrated the outcome, stating: “Whether it’s a game of basketball or pickleball, a walk through the gardens, or simply enjoying the outdoors, this space now offers more ways for people of all ages and abilities to connect, move and thrive… We worked in connection with the Mapleton community and delivered upgrades that make Lilyponds Park more accessible, inclusive and active for everyone.”
Beyond Toilets: A Community Hub Reimagined
The upgrades extended beyond the amenities block. Based on extensive community consultation that saw 87% support from survey respondents, council invested an additional $130,000 in a multi-use half-court for basketball, netball, and pickleball.
Councillor David Law (Division 10) acknowledged the community’s role in shaping the project: “We heard the call for better accessibility and more recreational options, and we’ve delivered… The new amenities are modern, inclusive and future-ready, and the half court is already proving popular with young people and families. This is a big win for Mapleton and a great example of how we’re working together to create vibrant, inclusive spaces for everyone.”
Cr Law emphasized the collaborative approach: “We listened and collaborated with the Mapleton community for the best way forward… This is a timely enhancement with the upcoming half-court facility expected to boost park visitation.”
Minimal Disruption, Maximum Impact
The construction was carefully managed to ensure the park’s skate park and playground remained accessible throughout the works. Enhanced landscaping and additional seating have further strengthened Lilyponds Park’s role as a social hub for the community.
A Sunshine Coast Council representative confirmed the successful completion: “The Mapleton Lilyponds Park public amenities block is completed (just waiting on locks for the doors) and will be open and available for our community to use from this Thursday morning… It’s great to see this facility completed, opened and ready to be used by the community from Thursday 13 November.”
The council noted that the basketball half-court had already been opened and was being enjoyed by the community ahead of the amenities block opening.
Recognition for Community Activism
Local accessibility advocates and commentators have lauded the successful mobilization of residents, community groups, and council representatives. The outcome stands as testament to what can be achieved when local organizations like MADCA champion issues of equity and dignity for all community members.
The Sunshine Valley Gazette covered the project’s completion, noting widespread community celebration for the upgraded park and facilities that had been years in the making.
A Model for Community Engagement
Sunshine Coast Council expressed gratitude to Mapleton residents for their input, patience, and collective support throughout the process. “We thank the Mapleton community for their input, patience and support throughout the project,” a council representative stated. The extensive consultation, which concluded in the 2024-25 period, demonstrated how meaningful community engagement can deliver outcomes that truly meet local needs.
For MADCA and the Mapleton community, the reopening of the Lilyponds Park toilets represents more than just new infrastructure—it’s a victory for inclusive design, community voice, and the principle that public spaces should serve all residents with dignity and respect.
The park now stands as a modern, welcoming facility where people of all ages and abilities can gather, play, and connect—exactly as the community envisioned when they first began their campaign for change.
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