Revamped park a credit to Carey Park community

The community has been praised for its contribution to the transformation of Kelly Park.

The Carey Park open space which now includes a revamped playground, fully accessible barbecue area, paths and new landscaping was officially opened on Tuesday.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch and Mayor Gary Brennan credited the Carey Park community for leading the way in the $290,000 project.

“Late in 2016, two ladies had a chat with me in Kelly Park here ... both of them had some pretty clear views about the needs of young people particularly and young families and kids,” Mr Punch said on Tuesday.

“Out of that conversation came the ideas around what can we do to help improve the park and improve it as a centre and a focal point for the community of Carey Park.

“I’m really pleased with the partnership developed with the city council and that meant that we’re here today with a pretty significant improvement and a fantastic playground.

“It was so good because out of a conversation between people who live in the community, ideas flowed that from a State Government point of view and from a council point of view we were then able to put into action.”

“And that is the best form of community development, the best form of building our community.

“So I like to think we’re on a mission to transform Bunbury and really make it a great place to live, but an important part of that is transforming our suburbs and this is part of what we’re doing today.”

Bunbury City Council contributed $200,000 to the project while the State Government put in $90,000.

It includes nature play, a toddler area, new slide, flying fox, pod swing, adventure tower, talk tubes, rainbow chimes, swings and a carousel equipped to hold wheelchairs.

Mr Brennan said the project was a credit to the local community leaders and testimony to how residents could work together with the council and government.

“I’m pleased to say the city council listened ... there have been a number of improvements made to this beautiful suburb of Carey Park, but this wonderful, wonderful playground that we have here today is testimony to how our community can work together with the State Government and get a great result,” Mr Brennan said.

“I also want to pay credit to the Carey Park Primary School, particularly the kids who got involved in telling us what sort of playground equipment they’d like to see here.”