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Hilton Pocket Park opens after kids exercise their rights

Leah RobertsFremantle Gazette

A GROUP of children had their message heard by City of Fremantle councillors and Mayor Brad Pettitt, successfully lobbying for a park.

The Hilton Pocket Park was officially opened, to the delight of the group, last week by councillor Jeff McDonald and chief executive Philip St John.

Hilton resident Zoey van Halteren (11) said she originally met other children to write a letter to the council.

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“We all wanted to have a park up the road where we could hang out. In a council meeting my mum read my speech out,” she said.

“I am really happy with the park; it turned out better than I expected.”

Resident Adelia Tedesco (11) also wrote to the council, saying she grew up without a park nearby and was prepared to do anything to get one.

“I am really happy with the park; I am glad they didn’t use artificial things,” she said.

Cr McDonald said he was impressed by the children’s efforts.

“It was really great to see the kids go to council and speak,” he said.

“At a community session we got the kids to design it by giving them different resources.

“We wanted to make it a great space as we weren’t reaching our target of providing public open spaces within walking distance.

“The park has native plants like a modified kangaroo paw and they managed to keep some olive trees.”

The small park has a grass area and a set of monkey bars.

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