Cathro Park upgrade links Railway Parklands to Queens Park

Part of a new link from the Railway Parklands Precinct to Queens Park has been created with the upgrading of Cathro Park in Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said the park upgrade had provided an improved connection for pedestrians and cyclists, especially between Ruthven and Neil streets.

“The shared pedestrian/cycle pathway with path lighting links in with the city’s cycle network and improves safety for both pedestrians and cyclists,” Cr Ramia said.

“One of the longer-term benefits of the new pathway is the link created between Queens Park and the Railway Parklands Precinct, which is a priority development area for Council.

“As the precinct develops over time, following the recent upgrade of the Railway Goods Shed, the pathway will be a natural link between the two areas.”

Cr Ramia said the Cathro Park Railway Parklands Linkage Project also included extensive landscaping of the park and demolition of the old toilet block which was replaced with a new public amenities building.

“The new shelter, seats and tables will make the park more attractive for visitors,” Cr Ramia said.

“The additional landscaping complements the existing trees in Cathro Park including the Hoop pine trees which Council ensured were protected during construction.

“The upgrade also includes the provision of bike racks, bins, drinking fountains, new wayfinding, information and flood warning signs, and artworks.

“The new park signage includes a tribute to Mr Alexander Cathro, a former Deputy Mayor of Toowoomba, after whom the park was named.

“Before coming to Australia in 1911, Mr Cathro was a constable in Dundee, Scotland. He played an active role in the Toowoomba Caledonian Society and St Andrew’s Church and was a champion wrestler and athlete. He also served as an Alderman for many years and ran a wholesale fruit business near the park.”

The $1.9 million Cathro Park Railway Parklands Linkage Project was jointly funded by Toowoomba Regional Council and more than $960,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program.

“Council thanks nearby businesses and the community for their patience and co-operation during the upgrade works,” Cr Ramia said.