Works are underway on the McCallum Park Active Area project!
The existing basketball courts and skate infrastructure will be closed to the public during works, which are expected to last till early to mid-2025.
It is with great enthusiasm that we embark on the realisation of this dynamic project, which not only enhances our local community but also complements major State Government initiatives.
Limestone stockpile at McCallum Park
With construction of the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges Project finishing in December 2024, excess limestone imported to provide temporary roads, laydown areas and solid ground for the cranes to sit on (crane pads) during the early stages of the project, has been stockpiled and donated to the Town to reuse as part of the Active Area Project, courtesy of Mainroads WA.
The materials, valued at over $200,000, will reduce heavy vehicle traffic on local roads and expedite site work within the project schedule, in line with the Town’s commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency.
Further information
For further details you can view the Mainroads WA announcement here.
More information about this Causeway Bridge project, visit the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge webpage.
- In 2015, the Town developed a Foreshore Access and Management Plan to ensure a consistent approach is taken when developing areas of foreshore within the Town.
- In 2017, the Town created the Taylor Reserve and McCallum Park Masterplan to plan future development of the key riverside parklands.
- Stage 1 of the masterplan involved critical river wall works near Taylor Street and was delivered in 2019.
- Stage 2 of the masterplan is the current phase and aims to deliver new recreation areas to create the McCallum Park Active Area.
- The concept design for the active area was developed in 2019 in collaboration with the community and local skate organisations, and was finalised in 2020.
- Since 2020, the Town has been working on the detailed design of the active area and advocating for external funding to deliver the project.
- In 2023, the Town successfully secured $2.5 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government for the McCallum Park Active Area.
- In March 2024, the Town successfully secured $926,653 in funding for the McCallum Park Active Area from the State Government’s Department of Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
In May 2024, Council endorsed a potential add-on to the project to include a junior scooter track. The junior scooter track is not currently funded and can be delivered at any time (subject to additional budget) without compromising any of the other Active Area works.
Why did the Town develop a master plan for Taylor Reserve and McCallum Park?
In 2017, Save the Children undertook a youth consultation on behalf of the Town. The youth engagement report identified the need for safe spaces where youth and families can gather, particularly after school and on weekends to participate in meaningful activities to improve their health and wellbeing, and to foster a sense of belonging and connection to the community.
Following the 2017 study and the 2015 Foreshore Access Management Plan, which developed a framework for the consistent management of the Swan River foreshore, the Town commissioned the Taylor Reserve and McCallum Park Concept Report, which provides a master plan for a range of new spaces along the foreshore. The design provides a variety of exciting new high-quality passive and active recreation spaces throughout the park, creating a destination for local, state, national and international visitors.
When will works begin on the McCallum Park Active Area
Works began mid-Nomber 2024, and are expected to reach completion by early to mid-2025.
Is the Master Plan set in stone?
The masterplan is set for review in the 2024/25 financial year.
Will the existing basketball courts and skate infrastructure be closed during construction?
Yes, existing facilities will have to be closed to the community in order to carry out works. You can find a list of the Town’s alternative basketball courts and skate parks here.
Please email mccallumpark@vicpark.wa.gov.au with your query, accompanied by your name. Alternatively, you can call the Town on 9311 8111.