BALLAJURA’S new $6.5 million intergenerational playspace at Weitj Park was officially opened last Thursday where hundreds of residents celebrated with a sausage sizzle, live music, ice cream truck and picnics.

The all-ages, all-abilities playspace features three distinct zones including a lawn area with barbecues, seating areas, an outdoor gym, a flying fox and a multi-swing set, an industrial play area for juniors, featuring a ninja assault course, basket swings, slides and trampolines, and a nature play area with a dry creek, rope net, stilts, balance logs, cubby building and balance ropes.

The playspace was a key priority for Ballajura residents, as outlined in the Ballajura local area plan, to provide amenities and infrastructure for public open space.

A Lotterywest grant of $2m supported the project which will enable people in Ballajura to connect and build a sense of community belonging.

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said spaces like it were an important place of connection for the community.

“We are thrilled to achieve this for residents and the wider community,” she said.

“It was very important that our community could have ownership of this space and so we engaged with local school children who told us they wanted to name it Emu Park.

“After discussion with Traditional Owner representatives, it was decided Weitj Park would be a great way to build inclusion and connection.

“Weitj is the Noongar word for Emu, which have a strong spiritual connection to the area.”

Deputy Premier and West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti said the playspace was made possible with the support of the state government.

“The playspace is incredible and will serve families for many years to come.

“Having these fantastic playspaces where everyone in the community can play safely is so important, I thank everyone involved for making this happen.

“On behalf of the state government, a contribution of $2m has helped make this happen and I’d like to acknowledge Lotterywest and the work they do with the community to make facilities like this possible,” she said

For further information go to www.swan.wa.gov.au/city-and-council/planning-for-the-future/ma jor-projects/ballajura-intergenerational-playspace