General News
19 February, 2026
Grass will be much greener
REX Smeal Park and Little Cove – two sunsetting gems at Port Douglas – are set to remain green all year-round, thanks to a new irrigation system being installed as part of a series of upgrades.
Douglas Shire Council will undertake the improvement works in early March to enhance amenity, accessibility and long-term use of these much-loved public areas.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the upgrades would support the park’s role as a key gathering place for locals and visitors.
“Rex Smeal Park is the premier destination for community events, weddings and celebrations in Port Douglas,” she said.
“It will be wonderful to see it looking lush all year round, especially through the dry season when the grass can really struggle.”
Works will begin from 2 March and are expected to take about three to four days. Improvements will include installation of a new irrigation system, feature lighting in the fig tree, underground conduits and power supplies for future lighting, installation of a garden entrance at Little Cove and extension of the boardwalk to improve access to the wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Cr Scomazzon said the boardwalk project was an important step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible public space.
“The boardwalk extension will make it much easier for people with mobility challenges to access the wheelchair-accessible toilet and move comfortably through the space,” she said.
