The City of Fremantle’s latest playground upgrade has opened to the public.
The play equipment overhaul at Dick Lawrence Oval in Beaconsfield was funded with a $180,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The new playground features a three-level cubby house with two slides, rock climbing wall, timber climbing wall and ramps for inclusive play.
It also has a large custom climber offering a variety of net and climbing challenges; nature play elements including balance beams, steppers, timber poles, logs and boulders; a sand play table with sand pulley and seating logs; an accessible basket swing and a xylophone for percussion play.
The upgrade also included new landscaped garden beds, accessible picnic tables and a wide accessible concrete path linking to nearby ACROD parking.
Fremantle Mayor, Hannah Fitzhardinge said the new playground was a welcome addition to the facilities at Dick Lawrence Oval
“The final design for the playground was the result of an extensive community engagement campaign that included surveys on the My Say Freo website, drop-in sessions at the oval, discussions at the Beaconsfield Precinct Group, letter drops to neighbouring residents and feedback from local schools,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
“The message we got from the local community was they were looking for a playground with a mix of nature play elements and more traditional equipment, with lots of climbing to provide a fun challenge for children of all ages.
“The City’s and Parks and Landscape team and our contractors LD Total, Nature Playgrounds and Nature Play Solutions have done a great job in delivering on that brief.
“We really appreciate the support of the federal government on this project, and I’m sure all the kids of Beaconsfield will love it.”
Federal Member for Fremantle, Josh Wilson said it was great to see Federal funding support for project, which will provide local kids and families with hours of fun, physical challenges and outdoor adventures.
“When I was on the council I worked with colleagues to deliver the Brad Hardie sports complex at Dick Lawrence Oval, and now as federal member I’m rapt to see this further playground renewal occur through partnership between the Commonwealth and the City,” he said.
The new playground is part of the City of Fremantle Council’s 10-year playground renewal program.
In recent years the City has installed new or upgraded play equipment at Sir Frederick Samson Park in Samson, Grigg Park in Hilton, Davis Park in Beaconsfield, Davies Reserve in White Gum Valley, Gilbert Fraser Oval in North Fremantle and Fremantle Park in Fremantle.
The City has also built the new Fremantle-themed playground in Walyalup Koort, a new adventure playground at Tuckfield Oval on Cantonment Hill and created pocket parks in Hilton and White Gum Valley.
Over the next 12 months the City plans to upgrade play equipment in Griffiths Park in Hilton and Florence Park in South Fremantle.