Cowden Park Mural Adds Colour to West Leederville

Published on 05 December 2023

The Town of Cambridge proudly announces the successful completion of a significant improvement project at Cowden Park, marking a milestone in the community's commitment to enhancing public spaces.

The Town engaged 34 West Leederville Primary School Year 5 and Year 6 pupils in creating a captivating mural project across Cowden Park’s toilet block.

Guided by local artist Haylee Fieldes, the mural adds a colourful touch to Northwood St as a symbol of the collaborative effort invested in the neighbourhood park's rejuvenation.

“Through the collaborative efforts of our community, Cowden Park has undergone a remarkable transformation,” Mayor Gary Mack said.

“The completion of this project and the vibrant mural is a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that reflect the spirit and creativity of our local students.”

The project was initiated in response to valuable community feedback, focussed on improving turf health, enhancing the reliability of irrigation systems, reducing water demands, and aligning the park more effectively with the community's needs through extensive consultation.

The 12-week development involved meticulous landscaping and irrigation work with temporary limitations on park access during this period.

“Given the physical limitations of our school site, Cowden Park is a much loved and utilised space for West Leederville Primary School students,” Principal Kirsten Dicker said.

“We are grateful to the Town of Cambridge for engaging with our students and giving them a voice in reimagining the space. The opportunity to work alongside Haylee Fieldes on the art project, is one that our students will remember for years to come.”

The Cowden Park project, initiated following a March 2022 resolution by the Town, involved extensive stakeholder consultations, public input, and reporting to the Council. The resulting Concept Plan, shaped by survey results from April 2022, outlines a range of improvements, including the replacement of the irrigation system to improve water efficiency, upgraded turf, a new drinking fountain, a BBQ area, new park signage, and plans for a playground upgrade in the future.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the park experience, the Town is set to introduce simpler dog regulations and clearer signage in the coming months. These initiatives aim to create a more user-friendly environment and ensure that Cowden Park remains a welcoming space for all community members.

The Town is grateful to West Leederville Primary School, artist Haylee Fieldes, and the community for their valuable contributions to the Cowden Park project. The completion of this initiative marks another significant step forward in Cambridge's commitment to developing vibrant and inclusive public spaces.