Pioneer Park is hidden from the main thoroughfare of Nanango, nestled between Sandy Creek and buildings along Henry Street. A part-faded brown sign caught our attention and we followed it through a lane beside the Nanango Swimming Pool.
The park has a variety of playground activities to keep everyone amused. In addition to the playground equipment, there is a skate park and climbing wall. Next to the large shelter with picnic tables and barbeques is a flying fox, a source of fun for kids and the occasional adult. A toilet block with flushing toilets is located there as well.
I thought there was a water hole at the back of the park. There is, but it is part of Sandy Creek, not an isolated water hole. A boy was fishing there at the time but I didn’t notice if he had any success.
The park has a long history, first developed in 1919 as a reserve between the primary school and the railway station. Called Nanango Park, it was used as a memorial to the soldiers of WWI. It was later left to return to its natural bushland state, with cattle grazing on it.
In 1978, the old reserve became Pioneer Park, and later in 1982 picnic tables and a barbeque were installed. The railway station closed more than 10 year prior in 1964, although the railway platform is still there as a reminder. The old curved railway bridge across Sandy Creek is also there but we didn’t notice it or know of it when we were there.
