Rudd Park

Rudd Park is a quieter, more under-utilised area compared to other spaces within the Burleigh Heads foreshore precinct. This project looks at how the park could be better utilised to provide more recreational opportunities for the community, while supporting improved access and movement throughout the area.

Two options were explored through the recent (Feb-March 2026) consultation to help shape the future of Rudd Park. The details below outline the communities preferred option.

A playground with bike and scooter track

The updates focus on revitalising Rudd Park as a family-friendly recreational space.

Proposed improvements include:

  • a new playground
  • a children’s bike and scooter track
  • improved picnic & BBQ facilities
  • retaining the outdoor gym in its current location
  • improved pedestrian connections across the park.

The existing playground in John Laws Park (located across the road on the foreshore) would be removed and replaced with open green space.

A new car park will be located in Rudd Park with relocated spaces from Burleigh Hill and in front of The Pavilion. There would be no reduction of parking within the precinct.

Concept plan and artist impressions provide a vision for the future embellishment of Burleigh Heads Foreshore Parklands. All proposals are subject to change and will be finalised as part of detailed design, technical investigations, community consultation, planning and environmental approvals, and funding considerations by City of Gold Coast Council.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Rudd Park project?

The project aims to better utilise Rudd Park by creating new recreational opportunities for the community, while improving access, movement and connectivity within the Burleigh Heads foreshore precinct. Rudd Park is currently an underutilised area compared to surrounding spaces, and this project explores how it can better meet community needs.

Two options (A - playground) and (B - swimming lagoon) were presented to the community and through community consultation feedback it was clear that Option A was the preferred option, amongst the community attracting 42% supportive, 24% neutral and 34% not supportive in comparison to Option B garnering 38% support, 7% neutral and 55% not supportive. Given the low neutral response to Option B, the option was more polarising, with the community having more certain opinions.

Will parking be impacted?

A new car park will be incorporated in Rudd Park with relocated spaces from Burleigh Hill and in front of The Pavilion. There will be no reduction of parking within the precinct.

Will the outdoor gym be retained?

Yes. The outdoor gym will be retained in its current location.