Saying yes to youth

City of Gosnells Councillors and Member for Southern River Terry Healy turn the sod to celebrate the start of work to build a new Youth Entertainment Space at Sutherlands Park. Pictured (left – right): Councillors Kylie Dalton, Aaron Adams, Saiful Islam, David Goode, Deputy Mayor Adam Hort, Member for Southern River Terry Healy, Councillors Serena Williamson and Diane Lloyd.

Young people in the City of Gosnells will soon have an exciting new space to hang out and have fun, with site works now underway for a new Youth Entertainment Space (YES) at Sutherlands Park.

City Councillors and Member for Southern River Terry Healy turned the sod on the $6.5 million project this month, with completion anticipated by mid-2025.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said the whole entertainment space would be covered by a shelter, which would make the space more comfortable and enjoyable year-round.

“The design for YES was developed in consultation with local young people and it will offer a range of things to do and appeal to young people with many different interests,” she said.

“The City of Gosnells is a rapidly-growing community, home to an increasing number of young people who are seeking welcoming places to spend time, exercise and make quality connections with other people.”

Once complete, YES will include:

• A split-level skating plaza with rails and banks

• A shallow skate bowl perfect for all skill levels

• A sealed pump track for BMX and mountain bikes or scooters

• An urban play area incorporating a social hangout zone with social swings and platformed seating

• A rebound wall and multi-purpose area to play games such as futsal and basketball

• Coloured and sports-level LED lighting.

The Mayor said the city would contribute $4.5 million to the project, with the State Government contributing $2 million.

She said YES was an important part of an overall Master Plan to transform Sutherlands Park into a one-stop shop for recreation and sports for City of Gosnells residents.