Frequently asked questions

The new play space at Bill Grayden Reserve will be designed based on the feedback we receive from playground users and the community in stage one of the engagement, input from interested community members in stage two of the engagement, the City’s Play Space Plan (PDF, 6.87 MB), and industry guidelines and standards. We also have to consider important things like budget, site constraints and how the reserve is used.

A playground refers to an outdoor area provided for children (generally 12 years and under) to play in, especially at a school or public park.  The term ‘playground’ generally suggests structured and fixed play equipment for children only.

To align to the City’s Play Space Plan, the term ‘play space’ is used to refer to an environment where play can take place for all ages and all abilities, and all kinds of spaces that encourage free play.

Following community and stakeholder engagement late last year where we received feedback from almost 100 people, we’re holding a family-friendly workshop where you can get involved in some interactive design activities for the new play space. 

• When: Tuesday 23 May 2023, 4.30-6pm
• Where: Bill Grayden Pavilion, Bill Grayden Reserve (by the playground)

Workshop registrations have now closed.

Initially it was anticipated that the new play space would occupy roughly the same footprint as the existing playground. However, in order to respond to community and stakeholder feedback, the draft design that will be developed further during the workshop includes additional play elements outside the current footprint.

We don’t know yet. Firstly, we want to understand who currently uses the playground, how people would like to be able to use the new play space and what kinds of elements and features they would like to see there. 

After analysing the feedback from stage one and considering the City’s Play Space Plan (PDF, 6.87 MB), industry guidelines and other factors such as budget, we’ll work with interested community members on design elements in stage two of the engagement.

The City is working with Wesley South Perth Hockey Club (WASPs), Wesley College, Hockey WA and other stakeholders to investigate the proposed relocation of WASPs to Collier Reserve incorporating a synthetic hockey turf, grass hockey fields and clubrooms. 

The City is awaiting a feasibility study from WASPs regarding this proposition. 

This proposal is not related to the Bill Grayden Reserve playground replacement project.

The City carries out annual playground safety inspections and condition assessments. This information is used to inform the Play Space Plan (PDF, 6.87 MB), which prioritises playground upgrades and replacements based on age, safety, condition and demand. The Play Space Plan also identifies priority projects over the next 15-20 years.

The City does not seek community input on every playground replacement project. Whether or not the City engages depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the equipment, type of park or reserve where the playground is located, how widely it is used and the budget available. Playground replacements are also guided by the City’s Play Space Plan (PDF, 6.87 MB), which identifies priority projects over the next 15-20 years.

Nature play equipment uses components that are manufactured from natural products and preferably irregularly shaped, including logs (timber), marine rope, rocks and water.  While equipment made of timber and marine rope has many benefits, it also requires greater maintenance and doesn’t last as long, often making it a more expensive and less sustainable option.

Playgrounds in the City are designed to last for 30 years, to provide value for money and a more sustainable service. The City generally favours metal play elements as they last the longest and are recycled at the end of the playground’s life. 

Some nature play elements will be considered for the Bill Grayden Reserve play space, including rocks, limestone blocks, and other features that allow users to learn about or interact with nature.

The budget for the new play space is approximately $150,000, which comes from the City’s Capital Works Program. Part of the project budget will be spent on other required works, such as a limestone retaining wall, new sand softfall and replacing the existing shade sail. 

The City of South Perth is working towards a more inclusive and accessible approach for all play spaces, as identified in the City’s Play Space Plan, which includes ‘access for all’ as a key principle: ‘Access for all is encouraged within the City’s play spaces, including specific population groups, such as people with disability, the elderly and children’. 

Where possible, the City will endeavour to install features that allow all people to play on the equipment. We anticipate the new play space will include a variety of play types to suit different ages and abilities.

The City expects the new play space will be installed and open to the community in March2024. The play space will be closed for a few weeks during construction. We’ll provide updates here on Your Say South Perth as the project progresses, or alternatively you can sign up for project updates by email.

• Ask us a question online and we’ll either answer you on the project page, or email you directly.
• Phone the City on 9474 0777 and ask to speak to someone about the Bill Grayden Reserve Playground Replacement.

Information and documents on this page are available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the City on 9474 0777 or email enquiries@southperth.wa.gov.au for assistance.