THE first residents of Highland Walloon will have more than just a new home waiting for them when they move in, with the community’s first neighbourhood park already open for business.
More than a hectare of landscaped open space has been completed ahead of the first residents moving into the development in coming weeks, giving families immediate access to playgrounds, a half basketball court, picnic areas and shaded gathering spaces.
The park forms the heart of Highland Walloon’s central green spine and has been deliberately delivered early by developer Lennium Group, rather than waiting for the neighbourhood to fill with homes.
Lennium Group Development Manager Ian Worthington said the aim was to give the emerging community a meeting place from day one.
“Moving into a brand new community is exciting, but it’s even better when the places that bring neighbours together are already there waiting for you,” Mr Worthington said.
“We wanted our first residents to arrive knowing they already had somewhere to meet friends, watch the kids play, enjoy a picnic or simply get outdoors.”
There is plenty to keep younger residents occupied, with adventure play equipment for older children, a dedicated toddler area, swings and a trike track.
A half basketball court, picnic shelters and large grassed areas cater for the rest of the family.
More than 40 feature trees have also been planted, while mature trees have been retained in adjoining linear parkland running through the community.
And despite Highland Walloon’s first residents being yet to collect their keys, the park is already attracting families from the wider Walloon area.
Mr Worthington said it had been designed to eventually become the social heart of the neighbourhood.
“Every great neighbourhood needs places where people naturally come together, and this park has been designed to do exactly that,” he said.
The opening comes as construction activity ramps up across Highland Walloon following strong buyer demand since its launch.
The developer said the project had emerged as one of the faster-selling new communities in Ipswich’s western growth corridor.
