Just in time for summer, the City of Bayswater is delighted to unveil upgrades at Claughton Reserve, as part of its Play Space Redevelopment Program.
The newly developed play space offers a diversity of play experiences inspired by the natural landscape, as well as pathways, plenty of seating and natural shade for the warm months ahead.
As a result of community engagement, the upgrades also accommodate requests for "imaginative play" and the new space includes the City of Bayswater's first fairy trail, where little ones can follow a crushed limestone pathway to seek out the fairy homes amongst the trees.
The first phase of community engagement commenced in November last year, when local residents and park users were initially asked to provide feedback on how they use the space and to share their ideas for improvements.
This feedback was incorporated into concept designs initially developed by landscape architect firm Josh Byrne & Associates. The concept designs incorporated nature-inspired equipment, that provide a sense of adventure and challenge for children aged 2-12.
Once the concept design was finalised and put out to the community for final feedback, the City engaged Nature Play Solutions to bring the designs to life for everyone to enjoy, including accessible pathways and a basket swing to ensure children of all abilities have the opportunity to enjoy the play space.
As the process draws to a close and the redeveloped play space is complete, City of Bayswater Mayor Cr Dan Bull said the City was proud to work with the local community to improve Claughton Reserve in line with their feedback and preferences.
"Local parks are incredibly important to our community, and Claughton Reserve has significant value as a great location to play, exercise, socialise, walk the dog, and enjoy the natural environment," said Cr Bull.
"The improved play space at Claughton Reserve demonstrates how we have worked with the local community to design a play space that meets the ongoing needs of local residents, as well as the broader community."
"We were also pleased to work closely with the Friends of Claughton Reserve community group throughout the process to ensure the play space is aligned with their important efforts in preserving this unique site."
Key features of the Claughton Reserve redeveloped play space include:
• A basket swing with a wheelchair-accessible soft fall rubber pathway
• Tightrope walk
• A climbing fort for older children
• Horizontal spider net
• Turtle-shaped steppers
• Fairy trail
As part of the redevelopment, the play space has been repositioned closer to the natural shade of the surrounding endemic trees, which will provide extra protection from the sun and heat throughout the summer.
In addition, the upgrades include accessible pathways, making it easier to move between the picnic settings and BBQ area and the play equipment. Large rocks have also been strategically placed within the play area to double as climbing elements and additional seating for carers.
A concrete pathway connecting the play space to the turtle toilet and the existing pathway on Katanning Street will complete the project, anticipated for final completion in 2021.
For more information on the City's Play Space Redevelopment Program, visit the Engage Bayswater page here.