Bina Parkland, meaning ‘light of the morning’ has been selected by the community as the new name for the parkland at Princess Wallington Reserve.
The $6 million dollar development in Balga is currently under construction and is set to revitalise ageing facilities and provide new skate and BMX tracks, multi-courts, public art, a nature playground and community event and markets space.
After the City received a suggestion to rename the community parkland to a Nyoongar name, it engaged Balga schools to suggest names for the parkland. Local residents were then invited to vote on their preferred name and 1304 votes were received.
About 66 per cent of votes supported Bina Parkland, a name submitted by the students of Warriapendi Primary School. Benang Bidee Parkland (‘the path of tomorrow’) and Djirap Wongin Parkland (‘grass and trees’) were the other two names submitted.
Mayor Mark Irwin said Bina Parkland was a fitting tribute for the playground and an example of how involving the local community in the decision-making process achieved positive outcomes.
“Involving local stakeholders such as schools and residents in these types of decisions will help to ensure these new facilities become a well-loved community asset,” Mayor Irwin said.
“Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is not only an important part of our Reconciliation Action Plan but it is central to the City’s rich and diverse identity.
“The Council and I can’t wait to see how this space and facility evolves into the community hub it was designed to be.”
Due to be completed later this year, the City has contributed $4 million to the project and Lotterywest provided a $2.34 million grant.
Warriapendi Primary School Principal Natasha Doyle:
“Every morning when I drive down Camberwell Road in the spring, summer and autumn months I often think how lovely the eastern light is when it shines through the myriad of trees in the Princess/Wallington Reserve area,” she said.
“There is one particular tree that takes my breath away – the Illawarra Flame tree. I always think to myself, how beautiful are the colours of the scarlet berries when they first appear, changing to the first new leaves. The early morning light plays beautifully on this particular tree, hence our choice of Bina, meaning light of the morning.
“We are thrilled that our name has been chosen for the parkland.”
More information: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/your-city/your-say-stirling/princess-wallington-community-parkland
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