Official opening of redeveloped Water Garden at Kings Park

6/2/00
One of Western Australia's most-loved and well-used outdoor features is ready again for public use after undergoing a significant redevelopment.
The Water Garden at Kings Park was officially opened this afternoon by Premier Richard Court after a $1.3 million facelift.
Originally developed in 1965, the Water Garden has been a popular picnic area in the Park, as well as the site for events such as the Annual Kings Park Wildflower Festival, the 'Shakespeare in the Park' series and performances by the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra.
"Over time, however, the weather as well as constant use by thousands of Western Australians and visitors to the State has seen this much-loved area deteriorate," Mr Court said.
"The redevelopment has also allowed us to incorporate features that pay tribute to those who worked so hard for women's suffrage in this State.
"The final design by Landscape Enterprises of Western Australia is a recreation of a Darling Scarp stream system, linking the design style of the 1960s, with modern materials and technology set in a natural looking environment."
Mr Court said the redevelopment was made possible by the Lotteries Commission of Western Australia, funding from the State Government through the Water Corporation, support from the Friends of Kings Park, and staff and students from the West Coast and Central Colleges of TAFE.
The redevelopment includes:

• the refurbishment of the Pioneer Women's Memorial fountains, the tallest now reaches its full height of nine metres;
• a new cascade, stream and ponds that simulate a Darling Scarp stream system;
• the construction of a bookleaf memorial and pavilion, to celebrate 100 years of non-Aboriginal Western Australian women getting the vote. Aboriginal people achieved the same result in 1962;
• new access paths for people with disabilities through the Water Garden;
• brass plaques inlaid in the footpaths commemorating women's groups active in the suffrage movement, or involvement in women's interests over the past 100 years;
• community artwork symbolising women's commitment to society; and -
• creative lighting of the water garden area.

Mr Court said the Water Garden would again become a highly visible area in Kings Park and with its natural setting, would become one of the leading locations for outdoor events in Perth.
For further information, contact Mark Webb, Director Living Collections and Natural Heritage, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. Phone 9480 3602
Media contact: Casey Cahill 92229475