- Lotterywest grant to transform underutilised
park into an accessible and inclusive play space
- Redevelopment features a new playground designed
to be immersive and accessible for neurodiverse children
- Park upgrades support major redevelopment underway
at heritage-listed Edward Millen House
The
Town of Victoria Park has received a $2.2 million Lotterywest grant to
transform Edward Millen Park into an inclusive and accessible community space.
The redevelopment
will feature a playground designed for neurodiverse children, accessible
facilities and changing rooms, with a key focus on supporting park users with
disabilities.
The
park upgrades will complement the major redevelopment underway at Edward Millen
House, which is set to transform the heritage-listed building and surrounding
precinct into a mixed-use community hub.
The 4.7
hectares of surrounding parkland is currently underutilised, with an outdated
play area and no pathway or walking routes.
Funding
from Lotterywest will support the Town of Victoria Park to transform the area
into a fully accessible, welcoming and vibrant open space.
The Town of Victoria Park has collaborated
with the Autism Association of Western Australia to design a new playground which
considers the needs of neurodiverse children.
The purpose-built play area will be named Mildred
Creak Playground to pay homage to the site's heritage as a centre for the
treatment and care of neurodiverse children, and pioneering psychiatrist
Mildred Creak who established the criteria used to diagnose autism.
Upgrades will ensure Edward Millen Park is a
fun and immersive space for all users to enjoy, including students from the
neighbouring Carson Street School, which supports children with disabilities.
The upgrades also feature an expansive
amphitheatre and performance space, a space for Indigenous art to reflect the
history of the area, new pathways and seating, barbeque facilities, a nature
play space, and accessible toilet block.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister and Victoria Park MLA Hannah
Beazley:
"This redevelopment project will breathe new life into Edward Millen Park,
transforming the underutilised public space so it is welcoming and inclusive
for the entire community.
"The new playground has been designed with neurodiverse children in mind,
with additional features including an accessible 'Changing Places' facility for
people with disabilities, ensuring all members of our community can get
outside, keep active and stay connected.
"Our Cook Labor Government, through Lotterywest, is proud to support the
revitalisation of Edward Millen Park, which will complement the major heritage redevelopment
of the surrounding precinct which will transform this iconic site that means so
much to the Victoria Park community."
Comments attributed to Town of Victoria
Park Mayor Karen Vernon:
"The Town of
Victoria Park's exciting parkland upgrade will complement the heritage
redevelopment of Edward Millen House to create a vibrant entertainment and
recreation precinct packed with modern amenities and spaces for all kinds of
community events and activities.
"We're
proud to deliver new facilities with a strong focus on access and inclusion,
providing our growing and diverse community welcoming spaces to connect and
thrive."
