- Start of construction for the $4 million nature playground
- Located at the base of the Kids' Bridge, constructed by WA Government, next to the Perth Children's Hospital and Kings Park
- New nature play space to incorporate traditional and contemporary cultural themes and Noongar dreamtime stories
- Project made possible through funding from Perth Children's Hospital Foundation in partnership with Rio Tinto
The start of construction on the new $4 million nature playground and precinct at the QEII Medical Centre (QEIIMC) campus to benefit WA families and patients took place today.
The new nature playground is located at the base of the Kids' Bridge, which was locally constructed by the WA Government, next to Perth Children's Hospital, and includes an entertainment/performance space and natural learning precinct.
The new nature playground will provide an outdoor space where staff, patients and families can unwind and escape from the rigours of hospital treatments and appointments.
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 that include Noongar cultural themes 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 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.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"It is great to mark the start of construction for the $4 million nature playground within the QEII Medical Centre precinct.
"Noongar themes and storylines are interwoven into the design of the space, including a climbing net depicting the web of the trapdoor spider, which is a unique Aboriginal story connected to King's Park.
"I look forward to seeing this area transform into a world-class nature play space and learning precinct for patients, families, and staff to enjoy.
"I want to acknowledge the positive advocacy from the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation for their ongoing efforts working with government, the WA community and businesses to deliver legacy infrastructure and facilities to benefit WA's sick kids and their families."
Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This nature playground, under the Kids' Bridge, will be a fantastic addition to the PCH precinct.
"Children and their families will be able to enjoy an area with an entertainment space, natural learning precinct and a playground, while undergoing the rigours of hospital appointments and treatment.
"I look forward to seeing this progress and I thank the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation and Rio Tinto for partnering on this important project."
Comments As put by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell:
"We are thrilled construction has officially begun on the Greenspace upgrade. This milestone project has been a long-time dream for PCHF, and we're proud to announce works are now underway, due to the incredibly generous support of our partner, Rio Tinto.
"The Greenspace upgrade serves as a natural extension of the award-winning Koolangka Bridge (Kids' Bridge), and will bring staff, patients, families, and visitors closer to the healing power of Country and the rich nature of King's Park.
"We're excited to see this area transform into a world-class, accessible space right on the doorstep of the hospital, for all users of the QEIIMC campus to enjoy, whether for play, education, recreation, relaxation, reflection or respite."
As stated by Rio Tinto Chief Executive Iron Ore Simon Trott:
"We are proud to be partnering with the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation to build a space where patients and their families can take a break from the hospital environment and connect with nature.
"The Greenspace will provide children with an inclusive and accessible play area where they can also learn about local Noongar culture.
"We are delighted to be part of such an important project that recognises the therapeutic benefits of nature play and the role of Indigenous wisdom in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children."
