Community backlash over ‘uninspiring’, ‘dull’ playground designs in Mosman Park

Residents in Mosman Park are upset over new designs for a playground, claiming they lack “creativity” and are in desperate need of a re-work. Three design options have been released for community consultation as part of a $200,000 revamp of the ageing playground at Tom Perrott Reserve near riverfront Minim Cove. But community furore broke out on social media this week after father-of-two Matt Hawksworth shared the plans — and his disdain — through the suburb’s Facebook community page. Speaking to PerthNow, Mr Hawksworth said the issue of “dull” playgrounds in Mosman Park was repeating. “The same issues were discussed with the last playground install at Brown Park,” he said. “It seems to be the playbook for Mosman Park. It’s like they’ve got a catalogue, but it’s like the dull playgrounds for uninspired children catalogue or something. “We live in an area where we’re all paying pretty high rates yet we go elsewhere for parks and entertainment for the kids.” Mr Hawksworth said in a time when play spaces and encouraging outdoor play for kids was more important then ever before, more could be done to involve young park users in the design thoughts. “The designs literally show kids on their phones next to the park ... it’s not what we’re looking for,” he said. “You want kids to lose themselves in the space and get those adventurous juices and inspiration flowing through their heads. “If you want a good idea of a park, go speak to children , whose energy and imagination will really guide you in the right direction.” His online post gained about 50 comments from other residents voicing similar disappointment with the designs. “Trees or sails, whatever it is — the playground needs shade!! Very disappointed at the proposal … clearly the budget was tight,” one person commented. “This looks so uninspiring. The All Abilities Play Space in Nedlands is fabulous, as is the Kadijini Park in Melville — both enclosed and has a range of areas of play,” another said. “How about more natural ones, using locally sourced renewable materials!?” another person asked. According to the Town of Mosman Park, the playground will complete the nearby sports precinct and will include replacement ground surfaces, fencing around the play space and new shade sails. Consultation has now started on specific design features such as colour schemes, ground coverings and seating options. Previous consultation last year included asking locals how they use the existing playground and what they liked or disliked about the space. The town said that feedback had been used to inform a design brief for contractors, ensuring the concepts aligned with community priorities, safety and accessibility, keeping in line with the limits of its allocated budget. Mayor Paul Shaw said the town was committed to ensuring the new design captured the needs and aspirations of local families and children. But he reiterated that playground upgrades always come with constraints. ”The town acknowledges the subjective nature of design preferences and encourages residents to provide detailed feedback, highlighting what they like or what they would like to see improved in the proposed options,” he said. “However, the context and constraints of this local playground replacement project should be considered. “The community’s input will directly influence the final playground design, and we encourage residents to be as specific as possible in their feedback.” The designs are open for public feedback on the town’s Your Say website until April 16.