The City of Melville has officially opened the upgraded Montague Hillary Park playspace in Leeming, delivering a vibrant new community space shaped by local residents and students from Leeming Primary School.
The project was supported by $100,000 from the Western Australian Government towards the $150,000 upgrade.
The official opening took place on Thursday, 6 August, with the Mayor Katy Mair, Elected Member and City staff joining Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley and Member for Jandakot Stephen Pratt to celebrate the new playspace.
The project reflects the City's vision for a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Melville, creating a welcoming space where families, friends and neighbours can gather and connect.
The new playspace directly supports the City's commitment to facilitating healthy, safe and inclusive communities with a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing.
More than 475 community members helped shape the final design through an extensive engagement process, with residents invited to vote on four imaginative playground concepts.
The selected design received overwhelming support, attracting 78.5 per cent of votes.
The project also features unique upcycled park furniture inspired by ideas from Leeming Primary School students.
Disused furniture originally destined for recycling was restored and reimagined by visual artist and eco-activist Stephen Genovese, creating colourful and functional community assets while supporting sustainable outcomes.
For more information, visit https://www.melvillecity.com.au/things-to-do/find-parks-and-reserves/montague-hillary-park
Attribute the following comments to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair:
“Montague Hillary Park playspace is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when we listen to and collaborate with our community.
"From the creative ideas of students at Leeming Primary School to the hundreds of residents who helped select the final design, this playspace genuinely belongs to the community.
"By providing inclusive public spaces where people can connect, be active and enjoy time together, we are supporting healthier, safer and more connected communities.
“The upcycled park furniture reflects the City's commitment to sustainability and innovative reuse.
"The restoration and reimagining of these pieces demonstrates how creative thinking can extend the life of existing materials while creating something unique for the community to enjoy."
Image: City of Melville Chief Executive Officer Gail Bowman, Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley, Mayor Katy Mair, Member for Member for Jandakot Stephen Pratt and Councillor Michael McGoldrick.