Jonty Petersen and Chad Cameron enjoy the new play equipment at Sir Albert Jennings Park in Willetton. Pic supplied
Camera IconJonty Petersen and Chad Cameron enjoy the new play equipment at Sir Albert Jennings Park in Willetton. Pic supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Park upgrade is child’s play for Chad

Carmelle WilkinsonCanning Gazette

PLAYTIME is serious business for one Willetton boy who successfully lobbied the City of Canning for new play equipment at his local park, which opened last month.

Nine-year-old Chad Cameron initiated a major upgrade to Sir Albert Jennings Park last October, by writing to his ward councillors Patrick Hall and Ben Kunze.

“Patrick and I advocated within Council and were extremely happy to secure the funding in last year’s budget – however instead of simply building much of the same in regard to the playground design, we wanted the local kids to design their own playground,” Cr Kunze said.

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The new playground sports a universally accessible bird’s nest swing and carousel, as well as a flying fox and a range of timber climbing structures.

Scattered throughout the playground are five wooden sculptures of local native flora and fauna, including a giant gum nut and western bearded dragon, which are perfect for climbing on.

Canning Mayor Paul Ng said the City embraced Chad’s passion and made him an honorary member of the project board, where he brought ideas from his classmates at Orana Catholic Primary School and provided suggestions on equipment, layout and design.

“We are committed to building safe, inclusive and vibrant places and this brand new playground is a great example of a project that was designed by the community for the community,” Mayor Ng said.

“The passion of the students to make their neighbourhood playground more exciting and interactive demonstrates how individuals can bring about change.”