Ekibin Park East to Get New Shade Sails Soon

Ekibin Park East in Greenslopes is set to have brand new shade sails as part of the Council’s new Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.



“Ekibin Park East, on Ridge Street at Greenslopes will soon have brand new shade sails,” Councillor Fiona Cunningham’s social media post last 22 December 2022 reads.

“It’s part of our promise to ensure every playground in Brisbane has shade in the next 3 years.

In some locations it will be shade sails and in others, where possible, large mature trees,” she said.

In a separate announcement last 11 December, Lord Mayor Schrinner revealed the first 41 playgrounds to be retrofitted with shade covers. He said that the $10 million three-year program to be rolled out over the next three years will ensure that every playground in Brisbane has shade to help protect parents, carers and children.

“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” Cr Schrinner said.

“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals.

“While we incorporate shade in all our new playgrounds when required, there are unfortunately some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.

“Under our Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, Council will identify those playgrounds that need cover and ensure they receive it over the next three years.

“This program is in addition to our ongoing investment in new and improved parks and playgrounds throughout Brisbane suburbs.

Three local suppliers and manufacturers were already commissioned to make and install the shade sails at the first package of playgrounds in Alderley, Durack, Heathwood, and Runcorn under the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program. A further nine playgrounds will also get shade sails under the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.

“Many parents of young children like me would know only too well that playgrounds without shade are off limits for large parts of the day, particularly during Brisbane’s hotter months.

“Our program will be pivotal to ensuring that when the sun is up our parks are cooler for everyone.

“Brisbane is the best place in the world to live and programs like this are helping to make it even better.”

Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne said he applauds the Lord Mayor for the project that will create more shady recreational space and that it is a “great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.

“It is well known that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes,” Mr Donne said.

“What I must convey however, is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”

Mr Donne added that people can do their part to improve sun safety by slipping on protective clothing, applying SPF 30+ sunscreen, using a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses.



It is estimated that some 150 playgrounds will be upgraded with shade as the program will boost the current average of one new shade at 10 playgrounds each year to about 50 playgrounds per year.

“Where possible, we will also look at investing in planting of mature trees rather than sails,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Trees not only create a cleaner, greener Brisbane but are also a great source of shade.”

Over the next six months, these playgrounds will receive shade under the 2022-23 Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds Program:

Park NameSuburb
Akuna Street ParkKenmore
Austin Uhlmann ParkMorningside
Barwin Street ParkWakerley
Beckett Road ParkMcdowall
Bliss Street ParkGaythorne
Broula ParkStafford Heights
Buckley Street ParkCarina Heights
Cannon Hill BusHland ReserveCannon Hill
Castamore Way ParkRichlands
Chester Park ReserveMount Gravatt East
Crawford Road ParkWynnum West
Dianthus Street Park (South)Wakerley
Doulton Street ParkCalamvale
Ed Kuepper ParkOxley
Ekibin Park SouthAnnerley
Ferny Grove Picnic Ground ParkFerny Grove
Fiddlewood Crescent ParkBellbowrie
Fig Tree Pocket Riverside ReserveFig Tree Pocket
Garrett ParkRuncorn
Gordon CrescentWakerley
Greenhills ParkAlderley
Harry Kirby ParkAspley
Heers ParkManly West
Kings ParkKeperra
Kuranda Street ParkBalmoral
Linacre Street ParkDurack
Moora ParkShorncliffe
Narrung Street ParkMiddle Park
Nixon ParkOxley
Robert Hanley ParkSeven Hills
Rotary ParkHeathwood
Sanananda ParkDarra
Tryon Street ParkUpper Mount Gravatt
Breene Court ParkCarindale
Milton Urban CommonMilton
Hamish Street ParkCalamvale
Kalinga ParkKalinga
Orleigh ParkWest End
Bacton Road ParkChandler
Ekibin Park EastGreenslopes
Mingoola ParkMurarrie

And under the 2022-23 Suburban Works Program:

Park NameSuburb
Frank Sleeman ParkBoondall
O’callaghan ParkZillmere
Selkirk Crescent ParkUpper Kedron
Sunset Place ParkMcdowall
Lambertia Close ParkMount Gravatt East
Ross ParkNundah
Robinson ParkFairfield
Spencer ParkNewmarket
Kitchener ParkWynnum West

Published 2-January-2023