Youth keen for space
REPRESENTATIVES of Warwick's youth developed a plan for a safe place for teenagers to hang out in Leslie Park more than six years ago.
Now their vision is almost a reality.
The Southern Downs Regional Council 2012/13 budget has set aside funds for the introduction of a youth space in the park, which neighbours Warwick State High School.
Toowoomba teens Brenton Potts and Matt Hamill said they regularly visited Warwick and would return more often once the plan went ahead.
Musicians themselves, the friends said they were most interested in the proposed powered concert space, which would allow for band performances and casual jamming sessions.
"There aren't a lot of concerts that kids can go to, so it would be good to see some around here and to have different genres of music play," Brenton said.
Matt said he was keen to see some climbing apparatus which was more appropriate for kids his age.
"All teenagers like to play but the stuff here is too easy. We want more challenging things and you've got to release that kid inside sometimes," he said.
Director of engineering Peter See said the changes were exciting and he believed they would be a hit with teenagers.
"This is the culmination of six years of planning, and it shows that if you come up with a great idea and stick with it, it pays off," he said.
"The master plan caters to the 14 and over demographic and it is about giving them somewhere safe to hang out."
Mr See said the design had yet to be finalised, but he was hopeful the work would be completed by March.
