Rickman Delawney Reserve upgrade to start

Following recent community consultation, the Rickman Delawney Reserve upgrade project is now proceeding to construction phase, with works on site to start this week.

The four-week consultation conducted in November 2021 delivered a 93 per cent approval rating for the project, and feedback from residents will lead to additional amenities being added to the concept plans.

The upgrade of Rickman Delawney Reserve (Balcatta) will include:

• North-south accessible path connection through the reserve
• Upgraded playspace including a large feature play tower and slide
• Conversion of the existing hireable tennis courts to a publicly accessible tennis and basketball/netball court
• Separate imaginative play area for younger children
• Furniture upgrades adjacent to the playspace including a new barbecue
• New recreational sports goals
• Replacement of irrigation (brought forward in the program to line up with the project) including a bore filter.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the survey results were reassuring and the feedback from the community was already improving the outcomes of the project.

“This exciting upgrade project is primarily centred around the existing playground at the Rickman Street (southern) end of the reserve,” he said.

“A central path connection is proposed to connect this main area of development to the rest of the reserve, and the existing tennis courts will be modified by opening up the courts to the public and converting one tennis court to a basketball/netball court.

“Upgrades to incorporate an accessible toilet into the existing toilet building structure will be undertaken in the 2022-23 financial year, pending future Council budget approval.

“We have created a design that centres around the community, focuses on physical activity, creates a special place and draws some inspiration from the beauty of our natural environment.

“The City of Stirling is sincerely grateful to the Member for Balcatta David Michael MLA for making the project a priority and supporting it financially as an election commitment.”

David Michael MLA, Member for Balcatta, said the State Government had provided $500,000 towards the project through a McGowan Government election commitment.

“The State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is a major supporter of community sport and recreation facilities in WA”, he said.

The City of Stirling provided over $530,000 toward the project.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the late Andrew Guilfoyle served the City of Stirling as a Councillor from 2013 - 2019 and had been instrumental in the progression of this parkland upgrade for the benefit of the local community.

“Andrew had the vision for a unique play space in this location and the development of this project will reflect that vision,” he said.

“Recognition of Andrew Guilfoyle’s contribution as a Councillor and involvement in this project is proposed as a memorial plaque at the entry to the upgraded playspace in his honour.”