Frequently asked questions

The existing playground at Hope Avenue Reserve was installed in 2008. Due to the age and condition of the playground, and in alignment with the City’s Play Space Plan 2022 (PDF, 6.87 MB), it has been identified for upgrade in this year’s playground renewals program.

We don’t know yet exactly what the new play space will look like. First we’d like to hear from people who currently use the play space and we’ll use the feedback to decide what equipment will go into the new play space, together with the City’s Play Space Plan 2022 (PDF, 6.87 MB), industry guidelines, and other considerations such as budget.

Hope Avenue Reserve play space also includes a basketball/netball half-court area. This will be upgraded as part of the play space upgrade works, which also include the proposed installation of rock climbing wall structure (also known as a bouldering pillar).

The new play space will include a new shade sail over the playground equipment.

The budget for the new play space is approximately $206,000 which comes from the City’s Capital Works Program.

The City expects the new play space will be installed and open to the community in mid-2026. The playground 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.

The City carries out annual playground safety inspections and condition assessments. This information is used to inform the Play Space Plan 2022 (PDF, 6.87 MB), which prioritises playground renewals and replacements based on age, safety, condition and demand. The Play Space Plan 2022 also identifies priority projects over the next 15-20 years.

The City does not seek community input on every play space upgrade 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 play space is located, how widely it is used and the budget available. Play space upgrades are also guided by the City’s Play Space Plan 2022 (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.

Play spaces 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 play space's life.

Sand is preferred to rubber flooring as it stays shock-absorbent for much longer. Local playgrounds, like the one at Hope Avenue Reserve, are designed to last for 30 years to provide value for money and a more sustainable playground. Rubber softfall has a useful life of only 8-10 years before it needs to be replaced and disposed of in land fill. Rubber costs 3.5 times more than sand softfall and can be topped upped and cleaned for the life of the play equipment. Sand softfall is also a play element.

The City of South Perth is working towards a more inclusive and accessible approach for all play spaces and playgrounds, as identified in the City’s Play Space Plan 2022 (PDF, 6.87 MB), 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’. The City’s Access and Inclusion Plan 2022-2027 (PDF, 2.05 MB) (AIP) also informs our play spaces, playgrounds and accessible design elements.

Where possible, the City will endeavour to install features that allow all people to play on the equipment.

• Ask us a question and we’ll either answer you on the project page or email you directly.
• Phone 9474 0777 and ask to speak to someone about the playground replacement or make a request on the City's website (External link).