Perth Voice Interactive

Stirling’s $1 million state-of-the-art playground is set to be pinched by the new Bayswater-Bassendean council in the forthcoming boundary amalgamations.

Stirling city council spent three years painstakingly consulting with residents and community groups over the innovative Dianella playspace, officially opened by mayor David Boothman last week.

But under the proposed Barnett council mergers the playground—which took 10 months to build—and several other facilities in Dianella will end up in Bayswater.

“It would be a shame if we were to lose the park because of an arbitrary decision to draw a line on a map,” Cr Boothman says.

“Local government is all about local communities; but in the government’s eyes councils count for nought.”

The park, nestled between bushland on Light Street, includes a climbing wall, balancing logs and beams, a small water play area and a bird’s nest swing.

It is overlooked by the colourful public artwork, “Splendid Wren”.

“As well as a range of activities for youngsters, the playground has other features for families to enjoy including a barbecue and picnic area, a half-court, multi-goal area for basketball, soccer and netball as well as excellent shade and grassed areas to enjoy a full day out,” Cr Boothman added.

In 2012 the council built a $3.2m universal playground at Yokine Regional Open Space, designed to cater for children of all ages and abilities.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK