New public spaces add vibrancy

The newly upgraded Wellington Square in East Perth opened last weekend, featuring an impressive new intergenerational playground called Koolangka Koolangka Waabiny, which is sure to be a major attraction for residents and visitors to the area.

The new park features nature play, a skate park, parkour activities, a flying fox, a pump track, water play and climbing areas, plus so much more to appeal to a wide range of age groups.

This type of useable public open space is becoming much more in demand across Perth and the regions, as people look for places to interact with their family and friends at a location which has something for everyone.

The need for quality public open spaces has perhaps been highlighted even further in more recent times – during the COVID-19 lockdowns – when people have been restricted to their local area for exercise and fresh air.

Some of the most successful public spaces are those that are easily accessible to people, engage the public with activities, are comfortable, foster a sense of community and are safe and welcoming.

The UDIA WA Awards for Excellence features some fantastic examples of the quality public open spaces that are being delivered across a range of areas in Western Australia, particularly in the social and community infrastructure category.

The major winner in that category in 2020 was Amberton Beach coastal precinct by Stockland, which features The Amberton Beach Bar and Kitchen and Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park.

Lighthouse Park is home to an 8.5m lighthouse tower, plus a range of facilities for different ages and interests, including basketball courts, an AFL-size oval, toddler areas, barbecues and safe beach access.

Not far away, Eden Beach by Satterley and the Department of Communities is another beachside precinct, featuring Eden Beach Foreshore Park and a playground next to The Beach House cafe. This park includes an adventure playground, grassed areas, barbecues and plenty of shade.

Looking south, the revitalisation of the Rockingham Foreshore was also recognised at the UDIA WA Awards for Excellence in 2020, with the area now a centrepiece for the local community and visitors alike. The area is now bright and welcoming, and features moveable furniture, plenty of shelter, and has been a catalyst for reinvigorating the local economy as more people are attracted to the local cafes and businesses.

These examples are just a small handful of the great public spaces around Perth that you and your family may want to visit these school holidays.