BRIEF

A disused site in Balga had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and was considered unsafe by the community. Community engagement revealed that many residents actively avoided the area because of its reputation.

Additionally, the City of Stirling has one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia, and understanding the needs and expectations of the community was the necessary first step to delivering a successful space.

APPROACH

The project team focused on a community-driven approach that recognised the different – and sometimes conflicting – demands of user groups. The team met with Wadjuk Northside and the City’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community to hold welcome sessions and establish culturally appropriate design opportunities. The team also collaborated with students from North Balga Primary School and Balga Senior High School, holding workshops to shape the BMX track and skate park.

A large portion of the Bina Parkland site was identified as potentially having asbestos containing material from the demolition of a previous municipal recreation facility. Key hardscape features, including the skatepark, multi-courts and car park, are positioned over the potential contamination zone to effectively cap and make safe these areas, rather than transporting contaminated material off-site.

Improvement of the natural environment was also a key component of the design. In addition to the hundreds of existing trees grass trees retained on site, over 14,000 individual tree, shrub and groundcovers from Mooro Country plant communities were planted. The focus on native species makes a connection to the adjacent retained bushland and extends the habitat and foraging opportunities for local fauna and support local biodiversity resilience.

OUTCOME

Bina Parkland demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity. The potential for cultural clashes was identified in the early design stages, and the outcome therefore aims to be as flexible and inclusive as possible. The multi-courts cater for multiple sports displayed as super-graphics on the court surface, reinforcing that all are welcome and that no one group has rights over the space. The skate park has areas catering to different skill groups, and BMX has both junior and advanced tracks. Dispersed between all these are facilities to support large gatherings. Barbeques, tables, shelters and seating provide another avenue for the community to use the parkland and provide a meeting place for social and cultural groups.