The City of Melville community have celebrated more public open space in Canning Bridge with the official opening of the Esplanade Park in Mount Pleasant.
The community gathered on Sunday, 24 May, to celebrate the new park at 13 The Esplanade connecting Kishorn Road and The Esplanade – the road that runs along the river foreshore.
Included in the 2,000sqm park new concrete footpath, construction of a new playground themed on the Egret bird, installation of new garden beds, trees, plants and turf.
The park, which is in the dynamic Canning Bridge Activity Precinct, received Lotterywest support through a grant of $465,582 for the playground, seating and gathering spaces, plantings and art.
The WA Government committed a further $150,000 for additional work including enhancements to the children’s playground and planting of mature trees.
Whadjuk Noongar Elder, Nigel Wilkes and Whadjuk Noongar Knowledge Holders Bella Bropho, Alice Kearing, Melba Bodney, and Iva Hayward-Jackson generously provided cultural input into the design including the artwork installed on the path by Noongar artist Justin Martin, who will also install a mural on the fence behind the playspace at a later date.
The park meets the community’s needs with a children’s playground, spaces for community gatherings.
For more information, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/esplanadepos
Attribute the following comments to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair:
“I’m so pleased to see this new park open which gives our community vital public open space in Canning Bridge,” said Mayor Mair.
“The City of Melville is very appreciative of Lotterywest and the State Government for their funding which has helped make this beautiful gathering place for the local community and visitors.
“A vital part of our Council Plan for the Future 2024-2034 is to create healthy, safe and inclusive communities and to enhance our natural environment.
“The social and environmental benefits of green spaces in urban environments is well researched and documented.
“We acknowledge that with increasing density in this key Canning Bridge precinct public open space is vital and we hope the local community enjoy this new park.”
Attribute the following comments to Lotterywest Chief Executive Officer Colin Smith:
“The new Mount Pleasant park will be a vibrant and inclusive space, bringing people together and enhancing community wellbeing in the Canning Bridge precinct,” said Mr Smith.
“Quality public open spaces are essential to building healthy, liveable communities, creating opportunities for connection, recreation and belonging for locals and visitors.
“It’s fantastic to see the strong community and cultural input that has shaped this park, ensuring it is both meaningful and welcoming for all who visit.”
Attribute the following comments to Member for Bateman Kim Giddens MLA:
“The opening of Esplanade Park is a wonderful outcome for our local community, enhancing public open space and tree canopy in the heart of the Canning Bridge precinct.
“I am proud to have delivered on my election commitment of $150,000 in State Government funding to help secure this project, alongside a $465,582 Lotterywest grant.
“Protecting and enhancing our urban tree canopy and local environment is a key priority of mine, which is why I worked closely with local residents and community groups to help deliver this important community space.”
Image: City of Melville Councillors Daniel Lim and Michael McGoldrick, Lotterywest Director Grants Activation and Partnerships Shannon Foster, Mayor Katy Mair and Chief Executive Officer Gail Bowman at the opening of the Esplanade Park