Brentwood’s much loved Ric Vosper Reserve has reopened after a substantial upgrade, with modern play facilities now including a learn-to-ride bike and scooter track and new barbecue facilities.
The project is part of the City of Melville’s 2024-2025 Capital Works Program and focused on revitalising the eastern side of the park, including relocating and expanding the playground, while maintaining the western side as open lawn space for informal play and dog exercise.
The work involved two periods of community engagement to ensure the upgraded park met users’ needs and the project has been delivered at a cost of approximately $400,000.
This includes a $40,000 contribution from the WA Government as part of the election commitment program, which allowed the installation of BBQ facilities and picnic tables.
Exciting new imaginative play elements includes a train ticket booth to complement the learn-to-ride path and scooter track, which feature road signs, speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, and a roundabout.
A fence has been added to enhance safety around the play space while keeping parts of the reserve available for off-leash dog play. Signage at each entrance will recommend that dogs remain on-leash near the play area for the safety of children and pets.
A follow-up engagement will be conducted six months after the opening to review how the space is being used.
Comments to attribute to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair:
“This is a beautiful upgrade to this much-loved community park with lots of new creative features and open areas for play and exercise.
“Congratulations go to the City’s Open Space design team for their design and project management.
“It was a complex project involving many suppliers, contractors and artists and our thanks go to them also and Yidarra Group which carried out the majority of the construction.
“‘We’re thankful for the WA Government’s funding towards this project, which enabled the installation of additional amenities such as BBQ facilities and picnic tables’
“The City of Melville is committed to building healthy communities and fostering a sense of community wellbeing, social connection and participation and this park upgrade certainly delivers on that aim.
“Its superior design has been achieved in part thanks to extensive community consultation conducted over two stages and aimed at ensuring it met the needs of park users.
“The bike path includes realistic road scenarios with road signs, speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, and a roundabout and is designed to be an interactive training circuit helping young cyclists and scooter riders develop confidence and essential riding skills in a safe environment.
“In addition, there are two new park shelters with picnic tables, plus additional seating, a renewed and extended basketball court with a 3-point line.”