New trees, beady eyes and a bit of history are all elements of the newly completed Coolum Placemaking Art Project to be officially opened on Monday 20 September on the Coolum foreshore.
 
Coolum's Placemaking Art Project provides fresh, eye catching user friendly facilities in a design that reflects the areas history and environment.
 
Council will join with local residents, businesses, Coolum Surf life Saving Club members, project artist, Lucas Salton and contractors to officially open the new art project.
 
Division 9 Councillor Vivien Griffin said the new artwork improves on an already stunning outlook.
 
"The views in Coolum have always been magical, but now surrounded by art, trees, lighting and new seating, it's just a little bit more special," Cr Griffin said.
 
"The artwork concept incorporates both Coolum's history and its strong environmental ties.

"Outside the surf club we now have a wonderful on-ground design depicting one of the previous Coolum SLSC towers extending from a new feature wall which links the new SLSC building to it's past.  
 
"The club's southern balcony gives members an elevated view of the tower layout on the footpath.

"The shape of the old tower is set out on a concrete footpath with four natural rock wall cubes and shaded timber seats. The rock wall cubes represent the old tower windows and provide a 'looking-glass into history' with glass art panels that show memories of yester-year.

"An ocean and environmental theme surrounds the beach shower to reflect the artist's concept of raising awareness of the fragile environment of the loggerhead turtle.  Bronze and glass fish eye elements clamber over garden bed rocks adjacent to the shower providing a children's interactive discover and play area.
 
Cr Griffin added that the ceremony also marked an important milestone---the completion of stage one of Coolum Village Masterplan.
 
"Exciting things are happening in Coolum and I'm delighted to see these moving forward," Cr Griffin said.
 
The project seeks to retain village lifestyle through improved pedestrian, cycle, and road traffic design incorporates
*    a rock wall and seating area with incorporated art
*    timber seating to match the boardwalk
*    improved footpath access
*    new tree plantings
*    subtle lighting and
*    interesting artistic structures around the beach shower.

What:   Coolum Placemaking Art Project Opening
When:           Monday 20 September at 11am
Where:   Art Project area south of Coolum Surf Life Saving Club-opposite Beach Road, Coolum.