Work will begin this financial year at Aubin Grove’s Radiata Park to provide facilities that appeal to the suburb’s growing youth population.
A junior pump track, skate strip, a ‘Ninja Warrior’ style obstacle course, and 3-on-3 basketball half court will be complete by July 2022.
The works are budgeted to cost $515,000 + GST, with funds sourced from the City's Public Open Space Cash-in-Lieu Contributions Scheme. The basketball pad will be funded with $12,000 from the municipal budget.
Other elements will include landscaping, green space, seating and drinking fountains, while the playground and BBQ areas will remain in place and gym equipment will be relocated to an area with more shade.
Cockburn Council endorsed additions to the park following community responses to a draft design that incorporated improvements preferred by local park users and nearby residents.
The draft design was the result of public workshops attended by 130 people earlier this year.
Young people and residents contributed to a park vision that met community needs, including those of young people aged 15-24, in line with the City’s Community, Sport and Recreation Facilities Plan (2018-2033).
This plan identified that Aubin Grove’s 15-24 youth age group will grow substantially over the next decade, making the creation of space for this demographic a primary goal for upgrades to Radiata Park.
The pump track surface will be designed for the use of bikes, scooters and skateboards with a layout that connects to the toddler playground.
The park will provide young people with independent spaces to socialise and observe activities while still feeling connected to the neighbourhood.