The colourful new playground in Fremantle’s Walyalup Koort will be officially opened on Friday.
Inspired by Fremantle’s industrial and maritime heritage, the playground includes features like cranes, bridges, railway tracks and shipping containers, as well as natural elements like water and trees.
It was designed by WA-based landscape architecture firm Seedesign Studios and partly funded through a $342,000 grant from Lotterywest.
Special guests at the official opening will be students from local Fremantle schools. Around 170 children from the same schools were engaged at the start of the design process to give their thoughts on what they would like included.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the playground was a critical part of the plan to revitalise the heart of Fremantle.
“The whole point of the Walyalup Koort renewal project was to transform what had become a dead spot in the heart of town into a vibrant and attractive space full of life, colour and movement,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
“The playground is really important because it will attract children and families into the space, and nothing lightens the atmosphere of a place more than the sight and sound of children playing and having fun.
“It will be wonderful to have the school children at the official opening on Friday because right from the start the kids have played a vital role in the creation of the playground.
“While we weren’t able to include some of their suggestions, like a tree-top dance floor or giant flying foxes, most of feedback from the kids was taken on board and incorporated into the final design.
“The end result is a brilliant new place in the heart of Fremantle where families can come and have fun together.”
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said she was thrilled Lotterywest was able to help fund the project.
“It’s so important that we have space in the Freo CBD which allows children to connect and engage in creative play, and this design certainly delivers,” Ms McGurk said.
“The playground is a key element of the overall redevelopment of Walyalup Koort, and it’s wonderful to see this area being renewed and revitalised.
“Thank you to all the local children and parents who shared their ideas during the design stage. This playground is going to be well-used for many, many years to come.”
The new Walyalup Koort playground has zones which will appeal to a broad age range from toddlers to primary school children, as well as being accessible for children with disabilities.
Programmable lighting elements highlight the playground at night, creating a new look and feel after dark and making it a feature of the broader public space.
The playground is part of the $270 million Walyalup Koort renewal project undertaken by the City of Fremantle in partnership with Sirona.
