Griffiths Park Upgrade

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Consultation has concluded

We're planning an upgrade of Griffiths Park to make sure it meets the needs of all users. It will include a play space renewal, conversion of the sump to an open swale integrated into the park and irrigation / hydrozoning.

The project is grant funded which means it needs to be delivered within a set timeframe. We aimed to get as much community input as possible early in the process so it can incorporated it into a concept design.


What we heard

Through other recent engagements we've gathered some input about what you value about Griffiths Park and how it could better suit your needs. In stage one engagement we heard from 50 participants online, 60 people attended the drop-in and we worked with 19 local students.

  • Broad support for converting the sump to an integrated swale with a focus on simple seating and a quiet space to connect with nature.
  • Key values are the trees, open space, birds, bird habitat, dog exercise, play equipment and the circular path. Biodiversity / habitat and swale could be a point of difference between this park and others in Hilton.
  • Climbing and nature play were ranked in the top three preferred activities across all methods. Swinging or being in a cubby were also popular.
  • The most frequently mentioned play element was a flying fox, followed by slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing frames, with the need to include more challenging / bigger pieces catering to older children while maintaining function for young children.
  • Separating users was raised several times with differing views on how and why. The key conflict identified was dogs and children, with some suggesting fencing around the playground or part of playground. Others do not want fencing or prefer use of landscaping or ideas such as separating the dog and human water fountains. Many children also noted they visit the park with their dog.

You can access the stage one engagement report here or from the document library.

You can explore each aspect of the upgrade in the interactive image above - click to view proposed options and information and click the icon on the bottom right hand corner to enlarge the image.

The Draft Concept Design including a full view of the park is also available to view as a PDF by clicking here or from the document library.


Key moves

In response to what we heard we’ve developed a draft concept. The key moves are:

  • Convert the sump to a multi-use swale with a natural approach to stormwater management. It will also contribute to biodiversity / habitat and usable community space by incorporating local plant species, adding walk trails, seating and wild play.
  • Retain and foster existing mature trees for shade, habitat and sense of place, and integrated into the design of the park as part of the upgrade. Where mature trees appear in poor health which can be treated, the City will take steps to remediate the trees. Some trees may need to be removed due to a range of issues including their decline from age or unrecoverable health issues.
  • The swale, play area and kickabout area have been expanded and we anticipate some younger trees which are poorly placed and are exhibiting health issues like being rootbound, may need to be removed. The City will ensure additional tree planting, in appropriate locations will be included in the proposed design.
  • Upgrade the irrigation and build on the ecological theme from engagement by removing turf from selected areas to conserve water and increase biodiversity.
  • In response to the preference for climbing and nature play, the concept design includes a climbing fort with slide, net and cubby, swings, and the popularly requested flying fox. Also, the playground and multi-use swale incorporates boulders and logs to create nature play opportunities and enhance the ecological themes.
  • We understand that the park needs to cater to various users. Various turf ‘rooms’ are for passive and active recreation activities from picnics to a kickabout area with footy practice goals.
  • Also highlighted was the separation of the playspace from informal dog exercise areas as well as surrounding street traffic. New garden beds, boulders and logs have been carefully placed to provide a protective vegetated buffer around the playground.


Share your feedback below by Sunday 19 September 2021 or attend the Hilton precinct group meeting on 14 September (details here).

We're planning an upgrade of Griffiths Park to make sure it meets the needs of all users. It will include a play space renewal, conversion of the sump to an open swale integrated into the park and irrigation / hydrozoning.

The project is grant funded which means it needs to be delivered within a set timeframe. We aimed to get as much community input as possible early in the process so it can incorporated it into a concept design.


What we heard

Through other recent engagements we've gathered some input about what you value about Griffiths Park and how it could better suit your needs. In stage one engagement we heard from 50 participants online, 60 people attended the drop-in and we worked with 19 local students.

  • Broad support for converting the sump to an integrated swale with a focus on simple seating and a quiet space to connect with nature.
  • Key values are the trees, open space, birds, bird habitat, dog exercise, play equipment and the circular path. Biodiversity / habitat and swale could be a point of difference between this park and others in Hilton.
  • Climbing and nature play were ranked in the top three preferred activities across all methods. Swinging or being in a cubby were also popular.
  • The most frequently mentioned play element was a flying fox, followed by slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing frames, with the need to include more challenging / bigger pieces catering to older children while maintaining function for young children.
  • Separating users was raised several times with differing views on how and why. The key conflict identified was dogs and children, with some suggesting fencing around the playground or part of playground. Others do not want fencing or prefer use of landscaping or ideas such as separating the dog and human water fountains. Many children also noted they visit the park with their dog.

You can access the stage one engagement report here or from the document library.

You can explore each aspect of the upgrade in the interactive image above - click to view proposed options and information and click the icon on the bottom right hand corner to enlarge the image.

The Draft Concept Design including a full view of the park is also available to view as a PDF by clicking here or from the document library.


Key moves

In response to what we heard we’ve developed a draft concept. The key moves are:

  • Convert the sump to a multi-use swale with a natural approach to stormwater management. It will also contribute to biodiversity / habitat and usable community space by incorporating local plant species, adding walk trails, seating and wild play.
  • Retain and foster existing mature trees for shade, habitat and sense of place, and integrated into the design of the park as part of the upgrade. Where mature trees appear in poor health which can be treated, the City will take steps to remediate the trees. Some trees may need to be removed due to a range of issues including their decline from age or unrecoverable health issues.
  • The swale, play area and kickabout area have been expanded and we anticipate some younger trees which are poorly placed and are exhibiting health issues like being rootbound, may need to be removed. The City will ensure additional tree planting, in appropriate locations will be included in the proposed design.
  • Upgrade the irrigation and build on the ecological theme from engagement by removing turf from selected areas to conserve water and increase biodiversity.
  • In response to the preference for climbing and nature play, the concept design includes a climbing fort with slide, net and cubby, swings, and the popularly requested flying fox. Also, the playground and multi-use swale incorporates boulders and logs to create nature play opportunities and enhance the ecological themes.
  • We understand that the park needs to cater to various users. Various turf ‘rooms’ are for passive and active recreation activities from picnics to a kickabout area with footy practice goals.
  • Also highlighted was the separation of the playspace from informal dog exercise areas as well as surrounding street traffic. New garden beds, boulders and logs have been carefully placed to provide a protective vegetated buffer around the playground.


Share your feedback below by Sunday 19 September 2021 or attend the Hilton precinct group meeting on 14 September (details here).

Consultation has concluded

  • Griffiths Park | Official Opening

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    Griffiths Park was officially opened on Wednesday the 15th March with a tree-planting ceremony, ribbon cutting, and light refreshments for kids to enjoy.

    We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your involvement in the project and look forward to seeing you enjoy the new upgrades.

    Please note the additional planting will be happening in the winter months and we look forward to finishing the project soon.

  • Griffiths Park Upgrade Underway!

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    The City of Fremantle’s major upgrade to Griffiths Park in Hilton is now underway. The project includes the replacement of the ageing play equipment with a larger nature-play playground, conversion of the unsightly drainage sump into a multi-use swale and new waterwise garden beds to replace some turfed areas at the edges of the park.


    A new irrigation system will also be installed throughout the park, and 34 new trees planted. Local residents may have noticed some forward works activity at Griffiths Park over the past few days, including tree surgery on the very big Tuart tree to the south of the site.


    The City’s head contractor – O’Connor-based PHASE3 Landscape Construction – will commence major works at Griffiths Park within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, site fencing will be erected around the perimeter of the park. The new playground will feature a flying fox, a variety of different swings and a large fort with slide, climbing wall, climbing net and fireman’s pole.


    The conversion of the stormwater sump into a landscaped multi-use swale will see the barbed wire fence around the sump removed and replaced with a usable community space incorporating local plant species, walk trails, seating and wild play. New mulch and local water-wise garden beds will also replace turf in some areas. This hydrozoning strategy seeks to conserve water and increase biodiversity.


    Unfortunately, due to the size and nature of the work involved, the entire park will have to be fenced off for the duration of the project, which will likely finish in January 2023. The City regrets any inconvenience to residents and park users at this time and greatly appreciate your patience during construction.

  • Latest news on construction pause

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    We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the Griffiths Park upgrade engagement for their patience. The City is working hard to put the project back out to tender. Whilst we are in the Tender phase, the City will be coordinating the removal of a number of trees to allow for the basin conversion to parkland and to remove poor quality trees so you will see some works occurring on site. The vast majority of the trees being removed are very small non performing specimens and residents will be pleased to know that the City will be planting 34 new trees into the basin, and garden beds around Griffiths Park this winter.

  • Griffiths Park Upgrade - Pause in construction

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    Hilton Residents may have noticed that upgrade work has not yet commenced on site as planned.

    There are a few reasons for the delay including the need to go back out to market for the construction contract. Whilst the tender documents are being re-worked, we have used the opportunity to undertake a very detailed Arboricultural report on the Griffiths Park trees to assist in their protection with the report including an internationally recognised Amenity Tree Valuation (The Helliwell System).

    The City is also aware that Western Power will be commencing the Hilton Power Undergrounding project which includes work within Griffiths Park so the City’s upgrade works will need to consider the Western Power work impact and timing.

    Construction is now programmed for completion in Winter 2022.

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  • Engagement Report - stage two is now online

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    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Draft Concept Design for the Griffiths Park Upgrade. The feedback gathered in the second stage of engagement will now be used by the City’s landscape architects to amend the Griffiths Park Upgrade design as deemed appropriate and in accordance with available funding and resources. Access the report via our document library.

  • Engagement report ready

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    The engagement report has now been compiled and is available in the document library along with an appendix including online comments and community submitted ideas. Work is underway on a draft concept!

  • Tell us your ideas

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    You can explore each aspect of the upgrade in the interactive image below - click to view proposed options and information and click the icon on the bottom right hand corner to enlarge the image.

    What we've heard already

    Through other recent engagements we've already gathered some input from you about Griffiths Park.

    Some things you most value are the open green space, mature trees, quiet, pathways and the opportunity to talk with neighbours while walking the dog.

    To make Griffiths Park better suit your needs you'd like to see the park get some love through 'inviting' nature spaces, play elements that encourage connection with nature, simple sit spots / more seating, better maintenance of the grass (patchiness, thorns and broken or overspraying sprinklers), and low key play elements (logs, tyres, ropes etc).

    Please share your ideas online by 4 July 2021, either in the survey or on our ideas board. You can also come along to our pop-up at the park to chat to specialist staff and share your ideas on Saturday 19 June, anytime between 1.00pm - 3.00pm.