Play by the bay: A coastal playspace for all ages
Set against the sparkling backdrop of the Peel-Harvey Estuary, the South East Dawesville Foreshore provides fun for the whole family in one stunning location.
As part of the City of Mandurah Council’s commitment to creating inviting and accessible community spaces, the once under-utilised site is now a vibrant hub of activity. And the latest addition to the city’s growing network of over 140 playgrounds and 400 open spaces, all designed to bring people together in the great outdoors.
The ‘Play by the Bay’ theme set the tone for the space — with a design that celebrates the foreshore’s relaxed coastal feel. Playground Centre was proud to support the City of Mandurah from concept to completion, providing end-to-end services including equipment selection to the council brief, manufacture and expert installation in partnership with Donegan Enterprises.
Designed for people and the environment
Guided by community consultation, the Council’s vision was to create a robust and inclusive playspace — one that would not only withstand the harsh coastal environment but also offer broad appeal for people of all ages and abilities.
A colour palette was chosen to echo the environment, and hardy materials were selected to maximise the play equipment’s lifespan in its seaside location. While wide pathways and rubber softfall surfacing were used to safely and intuitively link all play elements — supporting ease of access for users of all abilities.
Environmental sensitivity also played an important role. Existing tuart and she-oak trees were protected during construction and are now complemented by the planting of native species.
Naturally good fun
From sensory sand play to soaring swings, this vibrant playground encourages everyone to move and connect in the fresh air and beauty of the bay.
Key features of this playspace include:
- Coastal-themed play equipment
Drawing inspiration from water movement and marine life, the playground includes an Inclusive Carousel Cyclone, Rainbow Bongos for musical expression, and a Sand Play Module to encourage sensory play and creativity. - Intergenerational play
The space encourages shared experiences for children, parents, carers and grandparents alike. For example, the 6-Bay Deluxe Swing features a special needs seat and an Expression Swing Seat, offering versatility for solo or group use, adding to the playground’s universal appeal. - Durable, sustainable materials
Purpose-built for it its coastal setting, all equipment is made from high-quality, weather-resistant, anti-corrosive materials to support long-term use, safety, and ease of maintenance.
Despite the challenges of the reclaimed foreshore site, which included the needs to use specialised footings, our experienced team delivered a smooth install — working closely with Council to deliver the playspace in a six-month turnaround from design to completion.
What our team says
“From standing on the bare, reclaimed foreshore at the start of 2025 to witnessing a vibrant, inclusive community playground and hub just six months later!! This incredible space is the result of collaboration between the Council and its dedicated suppliers, coming together to create a welcoming place where people of all ages can play, connect, and thrive! Thrilled to have been part of this project.”
— Holly Belgrave, Business Development Manager – WA
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