By Corin Mackay
Nine years ago in August of 2014, Parkinson Ward Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor announced the construction of the Forest Lake Community Hall on College Avenue.
The Lake News published a story in February 2016, after the Hall was officially opened, celebrating the addition of a much needed facility to the community.
At the time, Parkinson Ward encompassed all of Forest Lake, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Algester, Calamvale, Drewvale, Heathwood, Stretton and Parkinson.
This changed in 2016, when the Richlands Ward was renamed and Forest Lake included within it, forming the brand-new Forest Lake Ward.
The Community Hall was officially opened by Parkinson Ward Angela Owen-Taylor in January 2016, just three months before the changes to Ward borders were made, becoming a landmark and a significant milestone in Forest Lake history.
Today, the Community Hall is open for hire from 8am to 10pm week round, and, withstanding the effects of Covid, is used by community and social groups for men’s help groups, tutoring, and yoga and fitness classes.
To celebrate the announcement’s anniversary, here’s a story the Lake News published a month after the Hall was opened.
To find out more about the Community Hall, visit its council website.
Community helps celebrate new hall opening
Forest Lake’s newest community facility opened its doors for the first time last month, with residents inspecting the Forest Lake Community Hall before it opens for public bookings this month.
“This new Forest Lake facility is the first community hall to be built inside Parkinson Ward, and we gave residents the opportunity to inspect the facility before it opens for business,” Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said.
“This state of the art facility provides an exciting new space for local community groups, organisations and residents to host a range of events, activities and services in the local area.”
Cr Quirk said three community groups had also been successful in their applications to lease storage space at the facility.
“Council sought expressions of interest to lease three storage rooms located on the lower level of the new hall, with Rotary Club of Forest Lake, Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch and Forest Lake Rugby Union Club all successful in their applications to lease the space,” he said.
Local Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor said the new facility will be a valuable asset for the local community, equipped with a range of features to facilitate a range of activities and events.
“I have been advocating for this Community Hall to be built for several years,” Cr Owen-Taylor said. “The new facility is completely accessible, with air conditioned hall space and balcony accommodating up to 100 people, two meetings rooms, kitchen, bathroom and separate storage facilities.
“It will also be equipped with high-quality audio visual equipment with a touch pad for audio and control, including a drop down projector, screen and sound system.
“Facilities such as community halls bring local communities closer together and Council has ensured this project was priorities to ensure the local community could be enjoyed by the entire community at the earliest opportunity.”
