New Fremantle play space engages children of all ages

July 7, 2020

The City of Fremantle’s new play space at Frank Gibson Park has installed a range of play equipment to children of all ages engaged.

The Park was officially opened at a special community event last week.

The Frank Gibson Park play space project retained some of the features of the original playground like the barbeque, climbing net and established trees while adding a new playground combination with sand play underneath, a rock wall slide and climbing feature, three new swings and a new nature play area and cubby house.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said children from East Fremantle Primary School had a big say in what was included in the design of the new play space.

Mayor Pettitt advised “Just a few months ago this playground was looking pretty worn out. It was about 20 years old and due for replacement as part of the City’s play space renewal program.

“To find out what people would like to see here and what sort of activities local kids would like to do the City talked to more than a hundred people, including community members, precinct group members and netballers who play at the Frank Gibson courts.

“We also visited the kids at East Fremantle Primary School, who created some fantastic models and designs which gave us some really important input.

“Our landscape architects then took all of that feedback and incorporated it into the final design, which has resulted in this brilliant new play space for kids of all ages to enjoy.”

Frank Gibson Park is just the latest City of Fremantle playground to undergo a facelift.

In recent years the City has installed new or upgraded play equipment at Sir Frederick Samson Park in Samson, Grigg Park in Hilton, Davis Park in Beaconsfield, Davies Reserve in White Gum Valley, Gilbert Fraser Oval in North Fremantle and Fremantle Park in Fremantle.

The City has also built an entirely new adventure playground at Tuckfield Oval on Cantonment Hill and created pocket parks in Hilton and White Gum Valley.

A highlight of the Kings Square Renewal project will be a major new play space inspired by Fremantle’s industrial and maritime history.

The Kings Square play space will include features like cranes, bridges, train tracks and shipping containers, as well as natural elements including water and trees, bold lighting treatments, interactive soundscapes and tactile nature play elements.

Image: East Fremantle Primary School children enjoying the new play space at Frank Gibson Park courtesy of City of Fremantle

25th June 2020 - Everyone Can Play Grant helps fund Penrith’s playspace upgrades

28th May 2018 - Cairns Nature Play recognised as Queensland’s top playspace

8th February 2018 - Innovative playspace refurbishment more than doubles visits at Melbourne’s Brimbank Park

20th December 2017 - Melbourne Airport launches challenging new children’s playspace

25th October 2016 - Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards recognise safe and creative playspaces

6th May 2016 - Valley Reserve playspace wins Parks and Leisure Australia state award

14th May 2020 - Bega Valley Shire Council delivers new imaginative playgrounds

5th May 2020 - Adelaide Hills Council reopens playgrounds and recreation facilities

4th May 2020 - Hamilton City Council advises that playgrounds still off limits to keep the community safe

19th April 2020 - Wagga Wagga Riverside rejuvenation to include event spaces and adventure playgrounds

25th March 2020 - Play Australia advises that while playgrounds close outdoor play is fine

17th November 2019 - Auckland Council secures awards for parks and playgrounds excellence

30th October 2019 - PLA presents national awards for excellence in parks, playgrounds and facilities

14th October 2019 - Wellington City Council consultation sees playgrounds transition to play spaces

11th April 2019 - Upgrades commence on Blacktown playgrounds

4th April 2019 - Upgrades announced for Darwin playgrounds

27th March 2019 - Futura Form launches golf-themed playgrounds

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