The City of Gosnells highlights the importance of all-accessibility infrastructure

The City of Gosnells has committed to the development of 11 all-abilities playgrounds across their Local Government area.
 
The City has already built eight accessible playground facilities, including at Walter Padbury Reserve, Bracadale Park, Mills Park and Sutherlands Park, with the remainder to be completed in 2024. The new playgrounds provide opportunities for the community to participate in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.
 
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said families with children with disability should not have to travel long distances to access suitable play equipment.
 
“The creation of these all-abilities playgrounds in the City of Gosnells means that all our residents, regardless of abilities, can enjoy playing with their friends and families at a location close to home,” she said.
 
“The development of all-abilities playgrounds across our suburbs is helping to achieve this.”
 
Equipment includes an inclusive orbit, rectangular trampoline, unity swing, talk tubes, musical pipes, and quiet nooks within gardens for a sensory experience.
 
In addition to new infrastructure, the City also looks to retro-fit into existing playgrounds which can come at a significant cost. With many local governments, this often means that projects cannot progress without grant funding. The City’s program could not have been delivered in the same short time-frame without access to cash in lieu of public open space funds, provided by land developers.
 
WALGA’s State Budget Submission highlights the need for more accessible community infrastructure, calling for $10 million per year from 2024-25 for Local Government infrastructure access improvement projects, including parks and playgrounds, administration buildings, community centres and recreation facilities.