New heritage-themed place space replaces two old playgrounds on Rockingham Foreshore

Two old playgrounds on the Rockingham Foreshore have been removed and replaced with one large, more accessible, heritage-themed play space.

Opening on July 25, the new Churchill Park Play Space is a playful tribute to Rockingham’s rich history and its relationship to the timber industry from a bygone era.

Designed to take kids on an imaginative journey from ‘forest to sea’, the adventure begins at the historic Jarrahdale timber mill with climbing netting and a birds nest swing, then winds through a nature trail of balancing logs and beams, past springy seagulls and ships in Rockingham, and ends at the coast with tunnels, shipwreck-themed climbing structures and a slide.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the new space is more than just an upgrade.

 “A lot of thought has gone into creating a space that reflects our local heritage while making sure it's fun, inclusive and accessible for everyone,” Mayor Hamblin said. 

“Our team did a fantastic job bringing an interpretation of the City’s history to life in a really playful way, with help from the Rockingham Museum.”  

Delivered as part of the City’s Foreshore Master Plan, the project also includes new pathways and 17 accessible shelters.

“The Rockingham Foreshore is one of the City’s most popular destinations, especially in summer,” Mayor Hamblin said.

“We want to ensure it continues to look its best and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

For the history buffs, there are several hidden ‘gems’ scattered throughout the play space, including the iconic jetty shack featured in many historic Rockingham photographs, and limestone rocks placed to resemble The Sister Islands, where many historical shipwrecks have occurred. 

“Everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover," Mayor  Hamblin said.

“For children, it’s a space where their imagination can run wild. For adults and seniors, it offers a fun, educational connection to our local history.”

An official opening will take place in the coming months.