The City’s much-loved destination playground, Maylands Waterland, will reopen to the community on 1 July, after undergoing a $4.4 million redevelopment.
Stage one of the highly-anticipated upgrade of the original 1970s community facility along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) is almost complete, ready for families to enjoy.
The dry areas of the parkland are now open and water play areas are set to open in spring. Inspired by local elders and designed by renowned landscape architectural practice, Josh Byrne and Associates, the facility celebrates the local native flora and fauna with a range of custom play elements, interactive sculptures, carved animals and custom water features.
Children of all ages will delight in the new nature-inspired play spaces, including a giant motorbike frog water sculpture, artist created play spider, timber tunnel with climbing wall and accessible basket swing.
“The City is so pleased to have collaborated with Josh and his team on this project, as their expertise has greatly contributed to the success of the redevelopment, and its positive environmental outcomes,” City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said.
“What makes this very special facility extra unique is how it integrates into the foreshore area and helps create a greater Maylands foreshore reserve. It incorporates a restorative design approach that will improve the health and ecological value of the Swan River. Visitors will also see a balance of Whadjuk Nyungar and European heritage reflected in several of its design features.
“With feedback from the community and input from the Maylands Waterland Working Group, Josh Byrne & Associates ensured we could deliver a facility our community will be proud of and enjoy for generations to come.”
Families can now enjoy the community space, which includes both a junior and main playground, accessible toilets and changerooms, shade sails, barbecue and picnic facilities, and an area to support mobile food businesses. Water play elements including splash pad, water creek and wading pool will be operational from October 2022 in time for summer.
“It was really important to the community that we built an inclusive facility that catered to all ages and abilities and I’m pleased to see the playground has been designed for universal access. An all accessible nature playground is nestled among the existing trees near the foreshore, ACROD parking bays are located near the entry, new accessible changerooms and toilets have been installed with easy ramp access and a wide path connects all of the areas together,” Mayor Piffaretti said.
“Seating and eating can be enjoyed by families throughout the entire playground, with picnic areas and drink fountains positioned throughout the space, complemented by accessible barbecues. Food truck pull-in bays also allow for future catering options and an elevated lookout decking area above the changerooms gives visitors stunning views of the Swan River and entire parkland. “The opening of the parkland is a major milestone in the redevelopment of the community’s favourite water playground.
“Maylands Waterland is very close to the hearts of many people in our community, and we are thrilled it is now open for the community to enjoy.”
Josh Byrne said his team are delighted with the outcome.
“From the outset of this project, we were acutely aware of how important the site is to the local community, as well as its cultural and ecological significance. The project reflects these sensitivities in a creative, respectful and playful way. Congratulations to the City on delivering on an iconic project that we hope will bring many years of enjoyment to visitors, whilst also contributing to the local area.”
The Australian Government contributed grant funding toward the project through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. The LRCI program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To support visitors when the water play elements become operational in October, outdoor showers, additional changerooms and a unisex universal toilet have been installed.
Stage two of the redevelopment plans to incorporate a deep water pool and public toilet refurbishment, and is subject to future funding.
To find out more about the redevelopment, visit the City's Engage Bayswater webpage.