Community able to slide ideas into playground plans

Playground equipment at Kelly Park is getting a much-needed $180,000 revamp and residents are being given the chance to slide their ideas into reality.

Bunbury City Council will host a pop-up community conversation tonight when residents can “have a chat” about what should be included in the play equipment upgrades.

The council and South West Development Commission are contributing $90,000 each to the project, which was identified as a priority during community meetings in Carey Park earlier this year.

Media and communications officer Jamie Tatham said the consultation was about having a conversation with the community.

“Kelly Park is one of the most significant parks because of the amount of open space and its cultural significance to Carey Park residents,” Mr Tatham said.

“We want to get as many people involved in the consultation to get an accurate reflection of what the community wants.”

He said residents should “think outside the square” and a nature playground, cubby houses and equipment which embraces the natural surroundings of the park were all in play.

The council has already consulted with Carey Park Primary School students on what they want in the park and will take the options back to them before they are finalised.

While there is no timeline for when the park will be completed, Mr Tatham said it would be this financial year.

“We want to make sure we do a thorough consultation process and once we’re confident we understand the community’s needs and desires, we’ll start purchasing the equipment,” he said.

No trees will be removed from the park as the council aims to incorporate the natural surroundings into any new design.

The pop-up conversation is from 4pm to 6pm at Kelly Park.