A permanent link between Kings Park and the Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) is a step closer, with the 11 walkway segments making up the Perth Kids' Bridge now lifted into place.
Five segments were installed over the weekend, with six installed over the Easter long weekend, creating the new three-metre wide, 217-metre long bridge.
With the structure now in place, completion work is underway to weld the segments together, pour the concrete walkway and paint the inside of the bridge structure in its iconic bright colours.
Programmable and coloured LED feature lighting will be installed on the outside of the bridge and a sensor speaker system with the ability to play programmed acoustics will also be fitted.
The 11 segments were manufactured in Henderson by local company Civmec, using 300 tonnes of locally fabricated steel and employing 40 people.
The bridge was made possible with a $6.3 million contribution from the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation.
When complete, it will provide inpatients, outpatients and their families with easier and safer access to Kings Park while also providing an opportunity for a range of therapies, including allied health, to be delivered in an environment that harnesses the wellbeing benefits of nature.
The bridge's benefits extend to staff and visitors from the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Medical Centre who will be able to access the park for fitness, lifestyle and wellbeing activities, as well as to use the existing cycle and pedestrian paths for commuting.
Construction of the Kids' Bridge is scheduled for completion later this year.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"It's exciting to see this wonderful new bridge come to life over Winthrop Avenue.
"Sick kids and their families, along with staff here at PCH and the QEII Medical Centre, will benefit greatly once the bridge is complete, with much safer, easier access to Kings Park."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This bridge will deliver vital benefits for the families who need to use these facilities, with clinicians noting outdoor visits have a positive effect for the overall wellbeing of these families.
"Staff and the wider community will also benefit from connection of the structure to existing local path networks in the area, and the ability to use Kings Park for fitness, lifestyle and work breaks."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's fantastic to see the Perth Kids' Bridge shaping up and I can't wait to see the colours come alive with the next steps of construction now underway.
"This project has been delivered by Civmec, a local WA company using 300 tonnes of locally fabricated steel and supporting 40 local jobs and apprenticeships.
"They were a key contractor who helped deliver the Matagarup Bridge, and I'm pleased to see this skill and expertise used in this important project."
As stated by Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Kings Park is a very special place and I'm delighted this special bridge is taking shape.
"I hope the vibrancy of the bridge and the natural delights of Kings Park will bring many a smile to children and their families."
As stated by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Chairman Hon Ian Campbell:
"We know that being close to nature plays an important part in the healing process. The Kids' Bridge will give sick children and their families the opportunity to escape the rigours of their hospital journey and benefit from the healing nature of Kings Park.
"To us, the Kids' Bridge is far more than just a piece of infrastructure. It will provide many therapeutics benefits for patients and their families - from physiotherapy to mental health, to the proven health benefits of being connected to nature.
"The Perth Children's Hospital Foundation is proud to fund the Kids' Bridge to help children get well and stay well for generations to come. The bridge has been made possible through the generosity and enthusiastic support of our donors.
"At its inception over ten years ago we were able to secure the funds required very quickly to turn this dream into a reality. These funds are in addition to the extensive funding we make available to the Perth Children's Hospital, currently running at in excess of $8 million per year.
"We look forward to the Kids' Bridge being widely used by visitors and staff throughout the QEII Medical Centre as it takes its place as an iconic part of the WA health landscape."
