Two of the City of Bayswater’s popular play spaces now offer increased sun protection and accessibility, as part of the City’s Play Space Strategy and $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package.
Colourful new shade sails, connecting pathways and seating have been installed at Shadwell Reserve in Morley and Patterson Reserve in Bayswater, providing easy access to playgrounds and safe play for children shaded from direct sun.
City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said the park improvements were informed by the City’s Play Space Strategy, and fast tracked through funding from the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package.
“The Play Space Strategy was designed to guide future play space redevelopment across the City, and includes a program to progressively shade all of the City’s playgrounds,” he said.
“In Perth’s climate, shade above play spaces is extra important. The City is working towards ensuring all of our play equipment is adequately shaded, either naturally or with a shade sail, or a combination of both.
“In preparing the strategy, all play sites in the City were analysed over a period of time throughout the year to select the best method of shade for each individual space.
“Part of this process is to consider the requirement for play appeal and accessibility, in terms of ability to use play equipment and general access to the play space for prams and wheelchairs.
“We want to ensure play spaces can be enjoyed by the entire community and are suitable for a range of abilities, so accessible pathways are a key component of play space redevelopments.
“The Strategy has been shaped by community feedback, and we'll continue to make valuable improvements to the parks and reserves across the City for local families."
Shade sails will also be installed over the play spaces in Pat O'Hara Reserve and Waltham Reserve in April.
For more information on the City’s Play Space Strategy, visit engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au/play-space-strategy.