- Lotterywest grant to transform underutilised park into an accessible and inclusive play space
- Redevelopment features a new playground designed to be immersive and accessible for neurodiverse children
- Park upgrades support major redevelopment underway at heritage-listed Edward Millen House
The Town of Victoria Park has received a $2.2 million Lotterywest grant to transform Edward Millen Park into an inclusive and accessible community space.
The redevelopment will feature a playground designed for neurodiverse children, accessible facilities and changing rooms, with a key focus on supporting park users with disabilities.
The park upgrades will complement the major redevelopment underway at Edward Millen House, which is set to transform the heritage-listed building and surrounding precinct into a mixed-use community hub.
The 4.7 hectares of surrounding parkland is currently underutilised, with an outdated play area and no pathway or walking routes.
Funding from Lotterywest will support the Town of Victoria Park to transform the area into a fully accessible, welcoming and vibrant open space.
The Town of Victoria Park has collaborated with the Autism Association of Western Australia to design a new playground which considers the needs of neurodiverse children.
The purpose-built play area will be named Mildred Creak Playground to pay homage to the site’s heritage as a centre for the treatment and care of neurodiverse children, and pioneering psychiatrist Mildred Creak who established the criteria used to diagnose autism.
Upgrades will ensure Edward Millen Park is a fun and immersive space for all users to enjoy, including students from the neighbouring Carson Street School, which supports children with disabilities.
The upgrades also feature an expansive amphitheatre and performance space, a space for Indigenous art to reflect the history of the area, new pathways and seating, barbeque facilities, a nature play space, and accessible toilet block.
As stated by Local Government Minister and Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley:
“This redevelopment project will breathe new life into Edward Millen Park, transforming the underutilised public space so it is welcoming and inclusive for the entire community.
“The new playground has been designed with neurodiverse children in mind, with additional features including an accessible ‘Changing Places’ facility for people with disabilities, ensuring all members of our community can get outside, keep active and stay connected.
“Our Cook Labor Government, through Lotterywest, is proud to support the revitalisation of Edward Millen Park, which will complement the major heritage redevelopment of the surrounding precinct which will transform this iconic site that means so much to the Victoria Park community.”
As stated by Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon:
“The Town of Victoria Park’s exciting parkland upgrade will complement the heritage redevelopment of Edward Millen House to create a vibrant entertainment and recreation precinct packed with modern amenities and spaces for all kinds of community events and activities.
“We’re proud to deliver new facilities with a strong focus on access and inclusion, providing our growing and diverse community welcoming spaces to connect and thrive.”
