A $4 million upgrade to the greenspace located at the base of the Kids' Bridge next to Perth Children's Hospital will transform the area with a nature playground, amphitheatre, entertainment space and a natural learning precinct.
The upgraded space will allow patients and their families to get close to nature and escape the demands of hospital treatments and appointments.
Inspired by the 'healing energy of Country', the vision is to create a rich, experiential space for play, recreation, relaxation, reflection and respite for all users of the QEII Medical Centre (QEIIMC) campus to enjoy.
The QEIIMC is the largest medical centre in the southern hemisphere and includes 40 health-related organisations and facilities with approximately 15,000 staff and visitors daily.
Sitting on Noongar land, the new design has been guided by Noongar cultural advisors, Soft Earth, to incorporate traditional and contemporary cultural themes and pay respects to the history and stories of the Traditional Owners.
The greenspace will be split into four zones appreciative of Noongar culture and the local habitat, including:
- a nature play-space providing a sense of fun and normality away from the clinical hospital environment;
- a natural learning precinct offering educational opportunities on native flora, fauna and Noongar culture;
- an entertainment space for performers and outdoor events; and
- a rest and relaxation space for patients, visitors and staff.
The Noongar themes and storylines woven through the design include a discovery path called Koodjal Noorn (two snakes), shelter pods honouring the six Noongar seasons, playground cubbies referencing Noongar mia-mias, an interactive play wall incorporating tactile animal and plant totems, and a climbing net depicting the web of the trapdoor spider, a unique Noongar story connected to King's Park.
The project has been made possible through the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation in partnership with Rio Tinto, BGIS, Hassell Architects, Soft Earth cultural advisers, and the QEII Medical Centre Trust.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This multimillion-dollar investment will create a world-class, interactive natural environment for patients and their families to enjoy away from the stresses of hospital treatments and appointments.
"The Kids' Bridge has been an outstanding addition to the hospital precinct and the world-class nature space at the base of the bridge will further enhance the area.
"This unique space respects the history and stories of the Traditional Owners, and I look forward to seeing the progress of this greenspace."
As stated by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Chairman Hon. Ian Campbell:
"Perth Children's Hospital Foundation is proud to be funding the creation of this unique space befitting the $6.3 million Kids' Bridge next door to extend the healing benefits of Kings Park on to the QEII campus.
"We know that the power of nature in healing is enormous for children and adults alike. A range of therapies in natural settings has been shown to contribute strongly to the wellbeing of the sick and assist in recovery rates.
"Bringing patients and staff closer to nature will positively impact the wellbeing of sick children, their families and staff at the QEII Medical Campus and we are immensely grateful for generous funding from Rio Tinto which has made this landmark project possible."
As stated by Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott:
"We are very proud to contribute to fantastic projects like this to support healthy, thriving and resilient communities across Western Australia.
"This inclusive and accessible play-space embraces local Noongar culture and aims to improve wellbeing by connecting patients, families and staff to nature.
"We are delighted to be partnering with the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation to build this world-class nature space."
