SURF'S UP IN BATHERS PARK

A beach themed playspace combines fun and education to promote wellbeing, enjoyment and exploration.

Designed by play specialists Willplay, Bathers Park at Alkimos Beach in Western Australia is a dynamic, multifaceted outdoor space designed for recreational engagement. Enjoying views over some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, the park features a multitude of facilities geared towards captivating all age groups and interests.

The showstopper of this sprawling park is the Surf Life Saving play tower created by WillPlay. The awe-inspiring structure, meticulously crafted using powdercoated marine-grade aluminium and powdercoated stainless steel, rises seven meters into the air. Inspired by surf rescue towers, this structure promises adventure and fun, captivating both the young and the young-at-heart.

Designed to endure Australia’s harsh coastal conditions, the play tower is brimming with features to nurture playful and challenging interactions. A grand staircase offers a mesmerising ascent to the main deck. For the thrill seekers, a central rope wormhole creates an unconventional and captivating path. The exploration continues with a broad ship rope intended to test and enhance balance, adding an exciting layer to this immersive play experience.

Highlighting the tower’s uniqueness is a giant spiral slide, which guarantees an exhilarating ride down, capping off a rewarding climb. Educational play panels are distributed across the tower, enriching children’s curiosity and understanding as they explore and engage. A particularly notable feature is an information panel explaining the FLAGS system used in surf lifesaving, providing a simple yet effective educational touch.
Bathers Park doesn’t stop there. In addition to the play tower, climbing activities, rope and nature play elements abound, as well as engaging water play activities. For sports aficionados, twin beach volleyball courts with tiered seating offer a sandy court for physical play. When a rest from games is needed, picnic shelters and barbecue areas provide a welcome respite, while a grass amphitheatre and a welcoming entry plaza are ideal venues for outdoor gatherings and food trucks. An informal limestone BMX track adds another layer of fun and adventure, and a unisex public washroom provides much-needed amenity for park visitors.

Active Discovery, Willplay’s exclusive distributor in Western Australia, was instrumental in converting the park’s vision into a reality. Collaborating with the design team at Emerge Associates, Active Discovery skillfully managed the project and facilitated a smooth and safe construction process.

The successful execution of Bathers Park is a testament to the exemplary collaboration between WillPlay, Landscape Australia Construction, Lendlease, Emerge Associates Landscape Architects and Active Discovery. Each party contributed their industry expertise and unwavering dedication to excellence, shaping Bathers Park into a truly innovative addition to Alkimos Beach.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

COMPANY Willplay
CLIENT Lendlease, City of Wanneroo
LOCATION Alkimos Beach, Western Australia
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Emerge Associates Landscape Architects & Environmental Consultants
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Landscape Australia
DISTRIBUTOR Active Discovery
PHOTOGRAPHY Olivia Treasure Photography