What changes will be made to Salentina Ridge Park and why? What is being considered as part of the playground and park upgrade?

    Every year the City of Fremantle follows a rolling schedule to upgrade playground equipment, with the aim of replacing outdated pieces with new, similar models or upgraded designs.

    The Projects & Place Team has received capital works funding in the 2024/25 budget to renew the existing playground facilities at Salentina Ridge Park, which are over 20 years old, in addition to repairing or replacing the concrete pad, bench seating and faulty water fountain.

    Any other minor park works identified in the community consultation process such as furniture refurbishments and mosaic artwork renewal will be subject to budgeting allocation. Other issues such as park lighting, dog governance and shelters are not within the scope of this renewal project.

    What is the process for this project?

    The City of Fremantle is committed to seeking community and stakeholder input to ensure the playground replacement meets the needs of the local community. City officers will be gathering community input from the MySay survey, park drop-in session and any written and online submissions that are received.

    Once the consultation period has closed, based on the community ideas and needs, as well as the budget, the playground concept design will be refined and finalised. The City aims to complete the installation of the new play area and any necessary park works by June 2025.

    What is the budget for the renewal?

    There is a fixed budget allocation of $100,000 included in the 2024/25 financial year.

    The budget must cover all works associated with the removal of the existing equipment, installation of new playground elements, temporary fencing, softfall sand cleaning, playground audit and any other minor park works identified in the consultation process such as furniture refurbishments and mosaic artwork renewal.

    How does the City decide what is included in each park?

    Each park is classified as either local, neighbourhood, district or regional based on the park’s size. The type of facilities provided in each park depends on its classification. For more information, you can read about Public Open Space Classifications in the City’s Public Open Space Strategy 2024 – 2034 by clicking here.

    I want to request additional facilities for my local park. How can I do this?

    Requests for additional or new facilities are investigated and budgeted as capital projects. They are assessed in relation to the park’s classification, the Public Open Space Strategy and Asset Management Strategy. Requests are prioritised against maintenance and renewal requirements for existing facilities and budget availability. Requests for park upgrades can be sent to info@fremantle.wa.gov.au

    Can the playground have a waterplay element?

    CoF is a One Planet Council and a Gold Waterwise Council, we need to consider the amount of water that gets used with water play elements. While it can be recycled for re-use, this is costly due to the infrastructure required for pumps, filters and underground infrastructure to ensure the water is safe enough to be re-used. Waterplay infrastructure also adds additional ongoing maintenance, which is outside the scope of this project.

    Can rubber softfall be considered?

    Due to the cost of rubber softfall and the maintenance cost for repairs and replacement, the City limits the use of rubber softfall. The use of rubber softfall is occasionally implemented when considering universal access to specific play elements. It’s inclusion at Parmelia Park is dependent on community feedback and budgeting requirements.

    Can I purchase the equipment being removed?

    Unfortunately, not. When playground equipment is due for replacement, it cannot be sold. The City breaks down the components of the playground equipment for recycling.