Frank Gibson Playspace Renewal

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Engagement has concluded. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project 

We're planning a renewal of the playspace at Frank Gibson Park to make sure it meets the needs of all users.

All play equipment except for the climbing net is due for replacement as part of the City's ten year playspace renewal plan. The barbeque, shelter and lighting will also remain.

Final concept

In August 2019 we asked for your input into the activities you would like to do and the style of replacement play facilities for this space. We heard from over 100 people, and the most highly ranked activities were swinging, climbing, being in a cubby and and nature play. All of the input received was used as the basis for the concept design which includes:

  • A replacement 'traditional' combination play unit, with large sand play underneath
  • A cubby house
  • A slide and rope climb over the rock embankment (including stabilisation)
  • A new 'nature based' play area including climbing logs and boulders
  • Birds nest swing to suit all abilities and ages, plus traditional swings
  • New garden beds with edging to clearly define the boundaries of the playspace
  • Additional trees for more shade
  • Extra benches to offer a range of areas to enjoy the park.

The concept plan can be viewed below or can be downloaded here.

We're planning a renewal of the playspace at Frank Gibson Park to make sure it meets the needs of all users.

All play equipment except for the climbing net is due for replacement as part of the City's ten year playspace renewal plan. The barbeque, shelter and lighting will also remain.

Final concept

In August 2019 we asked for your input into the activities you would like to do and the style of replacement play facilities for this space. We heard from over 100 people, and the most highly ranked activities were swinging, climbing, being in a cubby and and nature play. All of the input received was used as the basis for the concept design which includes:

  • A replacement 'traditional' combination play unit, with large sand play underneath
  • A cubby house
  • A slide and rope climb over the rock embankment (including stabilisation)
  • A new 'nature based' play area including climbing logs and boulders
  • Birds nest swing to suit all abilities and ages, plus traditional swings
  • New garden beds with edging to clearly define the boundaries of the playspace
  • Additional trees for more shade
  • Extra benches to offer a range of areas to enjoy the park.

The concept plan can be viewed below or can be downloaded here.

Engagement has concluded. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project 

  • Local kids give new play space a big thumbs up

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    Students from East Fremantle Primary School have given a big thumbs up to the City of Fremantle’s new play space at Frank Gibson Park. The students were able to test out the new equipment when it was officially opened at a special community event last week.

    Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the kids had a big say in what was included in the design of the new play space. Read the full article here.

  • Today's the day!

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    The sun is shining, and we'll be gathering in the park at 1.15pm to celebrate the official opening of the Frank Gibson Park playspace.

    Please join us for a group photo and play time.

  • Gibson Park Play Date

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    Swing, slide, build and climb to help celebrate the opening of the new playspace at Frank Gibson Park.

    Join us for a celebratory play date on:

    Thursday 2nd July

    1:15pm-2:15pm

    and be part of the group photo at 1:20pm.

    Everybody's welcome!


    If the weather is bad we'll play another day, so check back here for updates. Hope to see you there!

  • Playspace complete!

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    If you've been past Frank Gibson Park lately when you're out for exercise, you may have noticed that the wonderful new playspace is almost complete!

    Due COVID-19 restrictions this playspace, like all playgrounds throughout the state, remains closed for now.

    We are currently investigating options for winter planting, and the swings will be installed prior to the reopening in future.

    A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this project - we look forward to enjoying the playspace with you in person once restrictions are lifted.

  • Final concept

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    Feedback on the draft was largely positive, and no major adjustments were required. Minor adjustments may occur throughout the procurement and construction phases.

    The following was noted when considering feedback on the draft concept:

    • Adding a fence would take a sizeable amount out of the budget for play equipment. Some of the concerns raised will be addressed by natural fencing and barriers (such as raised garden bed edges and placement of logs to prevent parking on top of the playspace).
    • This budget is for the playspace only, and items such as new exercise equipment or additional sports courts are capital works and outside the scope. The wider Frank Gibson Park also already has a large amount of hard surface area which is available for community use for much of the year.
    • The fall zone for a standalone nest swing is too large for this site and it is roughly double the price of the proposed option, which provides multiple swings in an integrated approach.
    • A set of monkey bars is included as part of the combination unit. There will also be many other different climbing elements across the playspace.
    • Some of the exercise equipment will be relocated into the playspace. The rest is still within its useful life and will be retained with no immediate plans to upgrade it.
    For more information click here to see the engagement summary or view in the document library.

    Construction is due to be carried out in March/April 2020.

    Once construction is complete and conditions are cooler, a community planting event using native plants will be organised. Those who provided contact details as part of this engagement will be contacted prior to the event. If you'd like to be involved in the planting day and were not involved in the engagement, you can email communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au to register your interest.
  • Engagement period extended

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    The engagement period for the concept plan has been extended from Friday 1 Nov to Sunday 10 Nov.

  • Concept plan released

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    A concept plan has been released for comment. The design includes:

    • A replacement 'traditional' combination play unit, with large sand play underneath
    • A cubby house
    • A slide and rope climb over the rock embankment
    • A new 'nature based' play area including climbing logs and boulders
    • Birds nest swing to suit all abilities and ages, plus traditional swings
    • New garden beds with edging to clearly define the boundaries of the playspace
    • Additional trees for more shade
    • Extra benches to offer a range of areas to enjoy the park.

    The concept design can be downloaded here.

  • Engagement report released

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    Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Frank Gibson Park playspace renewal project.

    We've compiled what we heard into the Community Engagement Report for phase 1, which is now available for download from the document library.

    We're now hard at work preparing a draft concept for the new playspace, which will be released for community comment once complete.


  • Community Engagement

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    We’re planning a renewal of Frank Gibson Park playspace to make sure it meets the needs of all users.

    Do you or your family use the Frank Gibson Park playspace? We’d like your input into the activities you would like to do and the style of replacement play facilities for this space.

    We’re holding a drop-in session at Frank Gibson Park playground (Forrest Street) on Thursday 15 August 2019. Drop-in anytime between 3.30pm to 6.00pm to share your ideas with us or submit your comments by Friday 30 August.