Queens Park Environmental Education Centre is going from strength to strength as the much-loved Ipswich attraction marks 15 years since it first opened its doors.
Ipswich City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said significant renewal of the centre in recent years was reaping rewards for the Ipswich community and environment.
“The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre first opened its doors on 5 June 2009, and we welcome the community to celebrate its 15th birthday with us on Wednesday 5 June – which is also World Environment Day,” Cr Madden said.
“In the past 12 months more than 21,200 people visited the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, and the numbers have been growing year to year.
“Revamps at the centre have made it more user-friendly and attractive as a learning hub for all ages, including colourful displays with insights to Ipswich’s valuable natural environment.”
Cr Madden said the programming offerings at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre had also been refreshed in recent years to engage with a wider audience.
“School excursions to the centre now include a guided tour of the nearby Ipswich Nature Centre. These excursions are offered three days a week and are so popular that whole school terms quickly book out,” Cr Madden said.
“A free drop-in ‘Puggle Time’ program is also now available at the centre on Friday mornings, which engages families with children under 5 in fun play-based activities.
“SPARK Ipswich has also recently extended to the centre, and we look forward to the next art installation from 24 June to 13 July when the centre will be bursting with an oversized crochet and crafted garden.”
Volunteers and staff work together to deliver a range of programs at Queens Park Environmental Education Centre
Cr Madden said the ongoing success of the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of staff and volunteers.
“Around 100 community volunteers generously contribute their time for a number of council environment initiatives, including the Bushcare program, Queens Park Glasshouse, Ipswich Nature Centre, council’s nursery, and of course the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre,” Cr Madden said.
“We encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering at the centre to come and join us – some of our current volunteers have been with us more than three years and we always welcome more.
“It has been a tremendous 15 years at the centre, and with the increasing visitor numbers we know it will continue strong for the next 15 years and beyond.
“If you are visiting Queens Park make sure to come and say hello to staff and volunteers and take some time to explore the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre.”
Register to join the 15th birthday celebrations at Ipswichcitycouncil.eventbrite.com
