New playground’s name announced

The Ridley Place Foreshore Reserve playground had been officially named Karragarup Play Space to honour the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Karragarup means Place of Crabs in Noongar language and it was selected as the name recognises that the Leschenault Estuary provided crabs as an important food source for the Noongar people.

The name also links to the iconic large crab play element to be installed as part of the playground.

Shire President Paul Gillett said the unique crab play element would have a water misting feature and lighting around it which was a great drawcard for families to visit the area.

“The name, Karragarup reflects the important historical significance of the area, especially to the Noongar people.”

“The name honours the Noongar people’s connection to the land and with the appropriate interpretive signage will allow the community to understand the cultural and natural heritage of the area.”

He said the playground was divided into three spaces that represented the upper, middle and lower estuarine habitats of the estuary and celebrated the wide range of flora and aquatic fauna found in the area.

The name will be engraved on the new entry statement together with appropriate interpretive signage to explain the history and significance of the playground.

The playground is set to be completed later this month and officially opened to the public by late March/early April.

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