Lennie Allen Childrens Park, Lawnton (Qld.)

This Park was originally called Francis Park after the Francis Family. The Lawnton Progress Association approached council to rename Francis Park, Lennie Allen Children's Park. Leonard (Lennie) Victor Howard Allen was 6 years old when he died 27 September 1971 as a result of his diabetic condition, while on holidays in North Queensland.  He had attended the local kindergarten and had been a pupil of Lawnton State School at the time of his death. Lennie liked to play on the swings that were in the park and the big steam roller that was brought in. He was a very brave boy and he fought hard to live. Mr and Mrs Allen, were well known locally. Mr Eddy Hyland said that there was great public momentum, due to Lennie Allen's death and large pressure group which consisted mainly of residents and the Lawnton Progress Association. Public opinion and the weight of the pressure group was so great that council decided to change the name of Francis Park to Lennie  Allen Children's Park. The Allen's lived in Gardiner Street Lawnton.