Construction has started on the new $4-million nature playground and precinct at the QEII Medical Centre (QEIIMC) campus in Perth.
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.
WA Premier Roger Cook said it was great to mark the start of construction for the $4 million nature playground within the QEII Medical Centre precinct.
Cook said: “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.”
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the nature playground, under the Kids’ Bridge, would be a fantastic addition to the PCH precinct.
Sanderson said: “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.”