GOING door-to-door to acquire signatures for a petition can be daunting, but it is exactly what teenager Alicia Ward did to convince the City of Gosnells to build a new park.
The 14 year-old and her sister Mia approached neighbours and people living in the area around Dowitcher Loop Reserve in Gosnells to ask for their support.
She obtained 45 signatures for the petition, which asked the City to consider creating a community area and play park for the residents and was presented before the Council earlier in July.
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READ NOWMs Ward said she and her sister had the idea because they wanted to meet new people and residents were more than happy to help them in their quest.
“We thought we may make some good friends as we thought some of the kids tend to just stay in their house,” she said.
“My sister Mia and I spent two days going to all the houses in our neighbourhood, and some people weren’t home but we still got 45 signatures.”
The City confirmed plans for the park at their August 8th council meeting and have created a concept plan for the reserve, which includes a playground, shade sails, a basketball backboard, a drink fountain, pathways and substantial plantings and landscaping.
Work on upgrading the reserve is expected to begin before the end of the year, subject to finalisation of funding and approvals.
Mayor Olwen Searle said it was encouraging to see a young resident of the City showing such enthusiasm and taking steps to beautify the area where she lived.
“I’m always really pleased to hear of young people like Alicia making an effort to participate in local government,” she said.
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