Fragola Park gets Council’s tick of approval for upgrade

Residents were encouraged to provide feedback on two design concepts during the community consultation period, which ran from 22 March 2021 to 18 April 2021.

Last night, Wanneroo Council endorsed Option Two following community feedback that showed it was the chosen design for over 70 per cent of people surveyed.

Option Two is modelled on a nature play theme suitable for a range of ages and includes equipment for a range of abilities and ages with a space theme, swings, trail and rocker, as well as sensory and sand play areas.

City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said the improvement of parks and open spaces made neighbourhoods more attractive and benefitted residents by promoting community spirit and good physical and emotional health.

“Families make up 40 per cent of the City’s residents so providing inviting, safe and inclusive open spaces is essential,” Mayor Roberts said.

“The contemporary nature-play playground caters for a broad range of ages and abilities, and families will have access to a new social space and amenities.

“I look forward to seeing the upgraded facilities at Fragola Park breathe new life into the space and reinvigorate the area for local residents.”

Carnaby Rise Primary School Principal Karen Giacomucci said the park would give students opportunities to build community connections.

“Fragola Park will provide opportunities for our children to explore and develop a relationship with the natural environment, gain a sense of freedom and self exploration and space to imagine and think,” she said.

“The park will be a wonderful place for our school community to gather, particularly after school.

“Currently there is limited opportunity for this to occur on the school grounds. I can see this space will be well utilised with families forming bonds and a strong sense of community.”

The upgrades will also include accessible seating, shade sail cover, a water fountain and car parking with capacity for seven bays including an ACROD bay.

The amenities will take into consideration the nearby school, specifically around peak pick up and drop off times.

The projected cost for Option Two is $779,378, supported by funding from the Developer Contribution Plan.

A more detailed design based on the concept is expected in 2021/22, with construction anticipated to occur the following financial year.