Once a domain for birds and birdwatchers, the lily ponds were transformed into a park for families in 2008. Following extensive community consultation, the $100,000+ renewal was brought about through council and federal funding, and work was started when the former Maroochy council was still an entity.
The top section of the pond was drained and weeds and deepened, weed removed, and the pond site deepened. A pergola was renewed, a concrete walkway was created around the lilyponds and a bridge constructed across the waterway.
In December 2008, Councillor Paul Tatton officially opened the Mapleton Lilyponds with Member for Niklin Peter Wellington, The Hon Alexander Somlyay MP and Andrew Melville, then Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA) president.
Playground Upgrade and Fitness/Exercise Station
A survey of community needs conducted by MADCA circa 2015 identified that there was a need for playground equipment for younger preschool aged children. MADCA joined with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to jointly fund this project. MADCA contributed $45,000 to purchase the play equipment, while Council funded the design and construction costs.
In 2017 outdoor fitness/equipment was added to the Mapleton Lilyponds Park and Petrie Park in Nambour thanks to a collaborative effort between the MADCA, council, councillor Gregson, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and the Nambour Rotary Club. This equipment was funded by MADCA through a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to the tune of $35,000 to purchase the equipment while Council funded the installation.