New Dick Lawrence Oval playground unveiled

The City of Fremantle’s latest playground upgrade is now open to the public.

The dramatic overhaul of the play equipment at Dick Lawrence Oval in Beaconsfield was funded with a $180,000 grant from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The new playground features a massive three-level cubby house with two slides, through floor access ladder, rock climbing wall, timber climbing wall and ramps for inclusive play.

It also has a large custom climber offering a variety of net and climbing challenges; nature play elements including balance beams, steppers, timber poles, logs and boulders; a sand play table with sand pulley and seating logs; an accessible basket swing and a xylophone for percussion play.

Other upgrades include new landscaped garden beds, accessible picnic tables and a wide accessible concrete path linking to nearby ACROD parking. A brand new accessible barbecue will be installed in the coming weeks.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the new playground was a fabulous addition to the facilities at Dick Lawrence Oval

“The final design for the playground was the result of an extensive community engagement campaign that included surveys on the My Say Freo website, drop-in sessions at the oval, discussions at the Beaconsfield Precinct Group, letter drops to neighbouring residents and feedback from local schools,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“The message we got from the local community was they were looking for a playground with a mix of nature play elements and more traditional equipment, with lots of climbing to provide a fun challenge for children of all ages.

“The City’s and Parks and Landscape team and our contractors LD Total, Nature Playgrounds and Nature Play Solutions have done a great job in delivering on that brief.

“We really appreciate the support of the federal government on this project, and I’m sure all the kids of Beaconsfield will love it.”

Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson welcomed the Beaconsfield nature-play park project that has been delivered through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“It’s great to see federal funding support this beautiful City of Fremantle project, which will provide local kids and families with hours of fun, physical challenges and outdoor adventures,” Mr Wilson said.

“When I was on the council I worked with colleagues to deliver the Brad Hardie sports complex at Dick Lawrence Oval, and now as federal member I’m rapt to see this further playground renewal occur through partnership between the Commonwealth and the City.”

The new Dick Lawrence Oval playground is part of the City of Fremantle’s ten-year playground renewal program.

In recent years the City has installed new or upgraded play equipment at Sir Frederick Samson Park in Samson, Grigg Park in Hilton, Davis Park in Beaconsfield, Davies Reserve in White Gum Valley, Gilbert Fraser Oval in North Fremantle and Fremantle Park in Fremantle.

The City has also built the new Fremantle-themed playground in Walyalup Koort, a new adventure playground at Tuckfield Oval on Cantonment Hill and created pocket parks in Hilton and White Gum Valley.

Over the next 12 months the City plans to upgrade play equipment in Griffiths Park in Hilton and Florence Park in South Fremantle.