Green heart blooming at Ecco Ripley

The $500 million Ecco Ripley masterplanned community has unveiled a $5 million-plus parkland and recreational precinct as it continues to demonstrate its coveted 5 Star Green Star status.

Sekisui House has started work on the 10 hectare-plus parklands and open space areas that surround Ecco Ripley’s latest residential land release Lighthaven, which blends seamlessly into the amenities and infrastructure of the $1.5 billion Ripley Town Centre.

Ecco Ripley development manager Frank Galvin said the precinct is essentially three local parks linked to create a large scale recreational park that meets a diversity of community needs.

Mr Galvin said the precinct forms part of a Sekisui House commitment to dedicate 20 per cent of Ecco Ripley to open space and parklands in line with its 5 Star Green Star Communities accreditation.

"This will essentially become one of the many green hearts planned for Ecco Ripley and destined to become a focal point of outdoor activity for the local community." Mr Galvin said.

Key features of the parkland include playground areas, dog park, multi-purpose court, basketball court, half court netball, several kickabout areas, extensive walking and bike tracks, learn-to-ride bike track, life-sized snakes and ladders, outdoor gym and sheltered barbeque area.

“The design of these parklands is the result of extensive community consultation that highlighted the need to connect the parkland with running and bike tracks and provide play equipment for a range of age groups, including the very young,” Mr Galvin said.

“There will be something for everyone with an array of active and passive recreational spaces where residents and their families can gather to relax, socialise and exercise.”

There will also be areas where workers and shoppers from the nearby Ripley Town Centre can take a break and relax.

Footballers of all abilities can refine their skills on the various kickabout areas, with one of the larger spaces including combined soccer and rugby goalposts. The large kickabout areas will also cater to a range of other sports including cricket.

LED Smart lighting will illuminate the large playground, walking tracks and the amenities block, while a large sundial will be installed for educational purposes.

Construction of the parklands precinct is well under way and is expected to be completed early next year.

Mr Galvin said residents of Ecco Ripley’s newest neighbourhood, Lighthaven, will be within 200m of more than 10 hectares of the new parkland and green open space areas, while still walking distance to the Ripley Town Centre.

“Lighthaven represents the next generation in living, working and playing,” he said.

It has been designed with current and future generations in mind and reflects a holistic and sustainable approach to community design and development.”

Ipswich City councillor Kerry Silver said the parkland would deliver Ecco Ripley a significant community asset.

“It is fantastic to see this integral piece of infrastructure taking shape and ultimately delivering the surrounding community a place to meet and a shared area of recreation and relaxation,” Cr Silver said.

“Such a space is essential for the health, vibrancy and sustainability of modern communities and we are delighted to have it here in the heart of the Ripley Valley region.”

The latest release in Ecco Ripley’s new neighbourhood, Lighthaven is comprised of 23 lots and is priced from $173,000. Lots range in size from 300msup>2 to 585m² with buyers having the option of building their new home with Sekisui House master builders or a builder of their choice.