Maylands Waterland reopens: Much-loved destination playground back in business after $4.4 million upgrade

The City of Bayswater’s much-loved destination playground Maylands Waterland has reopened after undergoing a $4.4 million redevelopment. The original 1970s community facility along the Swan River has undergone its first stage upgrade and is ready for families to enjoy it, with dry areas of the parkland now open and water play areas set to open in spring. Stage two of the facility will incorporate a deep water pool and public toilet refurbishment and is subject to future funding. Inspired by local elders, the facility celebrates native flora and fauna with a range of custom play elements, interactive sculptures, carved animals and custom water features. Children of all ages will delight in the new nature-inspired play spaces including a giant motorbike frog water sculpture, a play spider, a timber tunnel with a climbing wall and an accessible basket swing. Families can now enjoy the community space which includes both a junior and main playground, accessible toilets and changerooms, shade sails, barbecue and picnic facilities and an area to support mobile food businesses. Food truck pull-in bays also allow for future catering options and an elevated lookout decking area above the changerooms gives visitors stunning views of the Swan River and the entire parkland. “What makes this very special facility extra unique is how it integrates into the foreshore area and helps create a greater Maylands foreshore reserve,” mayor Filomena Piffaretti said. “It incorporates a restorative design approach that will improve the health and ecological value of the Swan River. “Visitors will also see a balance of Whadjuk Nyungar and European heritage reflected in several of its design features.” Water play elements including a splash pad, water creek and wading pool will be operational from October 2022 in time for summer. Cr Piffaretti said the inclusive facility catered to all ages and abilities and had been designed for universal access. “An all-accessible nature playground is nestled among the existing trees near the foreshore, ACROD parking bays are located near the entry, new accessible change rooms and toilets have been installed with easy ramp access and a wide path connects all of the areas together,” she said. “Seating and eating can be enjoyed by families throughout the entire playground, with picnic areas and drink fountains positioned throughout the space, complemented by accessible barbecues.” The Federal Government contributed to the project through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Another family favourite playground, Garvey Street Park in Waterford, is scheduled to open on June 30 after receiving upgrades. The City of South Perth project was in development for several years after a scheme amendment to rezone the area commonly referred to as the Waterford Triangle. This once-underused community space has been transformed to offer outdoor exercise equipment including table tennis, park furniture, native plantings and a bird drinking station, while a new laneway has been built to improve access and safety for residents. The city secured funding for most of the works through Phase Two of the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.