Bibra Lake: new $3.4m regional playground to add fun to summer time

THE covers have come off a new $3.4 million regional playground in Bibra Lake that is expected to attract hundreds of families over the summer months.

The City of Cockburn-funded park is 7000sq m in size and includes play features, interactive public art, shelters, barbecues, drinking fountains and themed vegetation.

Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the Progress Drive park had been designed to promote inclusivity and celebrate the heritage of the site.

Three of four large stainless-steel double barbecues have under-bench wheelchair recesses and have been altered to promote use by people with visual impairment or limited use in their fingers.

The $400,000 toilet block includes the City’s first Changing Places facility, which will be opened at the end of November.

This amenity will include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing table, a tracking hoist and automatic doors, with enough space for two carers to assist.

Many of the play areas include disability-inclusive features, meaning no one should miss out.

Samantha Jenkinson, executive director for People With Disabilities WA, said a growing number of Perth parks were being created with inclusivity in mind, but there was some catching up to do.

“There are only a few other fully inclusive parks in Perth with accessible toilets,” she said.

“Having the inclusive playground with toilets and picnic facilities will make this popular.

“Families share what they think are the most inclusive parks and those that are good are popular.

“A lack of inclusive features is a hindrance, as many local small parks don’t often even have a footpath to the playground.

“It’s great to see more regional parks like this being inclusive but it means you have to get in the car to get there.”

Mr Howlett said the new playground would also celebrate the area’s significant Aboriginal heritage, with giant ‘talking’ rocks offering stories and features of the lake important to Nyungar people.

“Bibra Lake’s rich and significant cultural history has been reflected in the design of the new playground, providing families with many ways to learn and explore,” he said.

Many features in the playground are inspired by local wildlife and fauna, including oblong turtles, dragonflies, butterflies and native plants.

Park features

– A flying fox

– Barbecues and shelters with taps and drink fountains

– Yarning circle with giant talking rocks that speak in Nyungar

– Big swings and a supernova

– Assault course that combines running and climbing

– Cubbies and climbing frames inspired by Aboriginal fish traps.

– A one-of-a-kind sky walk

– Big and small swings

– In-ground trampolines

– Sandpits

– Giant turtle splash pad

– A dinosaur dig

– Changing facility

– A safety fence around the perimeter of the playground