Focus on play for everyone

Recent development of an all-abilities playground at Tom Bateman Reserve in Thornlie provided a great starting point for the City’s plans to deliver more all-abilities play areas.

Nine all-abilities playgrounds will be developed by the City of Gosnells, Western Australia, in the next two years, to improve access to play areas for local young people with disability.

The initiative is part of a $4.2 million funding boost to improve access for families with children who have special needs, as many families currently need to travel to visit all-abilities playgrounds outside the City.

Mayor, David Goode said providing suitable play equipment for all children was an important element in creating inclusive communities.

“Playgrounds and parks are a huge part of family life and being able to play and socialise close to home is vital in establishing a positive sense of community.

“One of the biggest all-abilities projects we will be working on is a $1 million facility at Mary Carroll Park in the heart of Gosnells, while eight other projects worth about $400,000 each will be developed across the City over the next two years to ensure good access to all-abilities playgrounds for everyone.

“Increased infrastructure spending has been a big focus of the City’s coronavirus response to help generate employment and new opportunities for local businesses.

“This year, the City has brought forward $14 million worth of road and community infrastructure projects to boost our capital works budget to stimulate economic recovery.”