Koolaanga Waabiny Playground

The award winning Koolaanga Waabiny Playground is a significant regional play space on Mandurah’s western foreshore, forming part of Mandurah’s $22M Waterfront Project.

The iconic centre piece is the 12m high multi use, multi access play tower designed and documented by PLAN E. Inspired by the forms of the local Swamp Sheoak (Koolyaanga) needles and cones, the tower provides a multilayered play experience for all users and offers panoramic views over Mandarah Central and its immediate surrounds.

Sheoak cone inspired bespoke cubby pods adjacent the ground level play boardwalk visually integrates the tower with the surrounding playground.

Using bespoke design, striking geometry, innovative structural engineering solutions and robust materiality, this iconic structure encapsulates Mandurah as a dynamic local community and tourist destination with strong cultural and environmental connections.

The City of Mandurah, and many members of the local community, including children, were integral to the design process ensuring a strong community connection to place. The resulting collaboration is a highly accessible place of fun, inclusivity, and imagination for all, sparking curiosity while thoughtfully highlighting local culture and the environment.

The play space has been named in consultation with Local Elders, Cultural Knowledge holders and community members, with Koolaanga Waabiny translating to ‘children playing’ and also relating to the Sheoak (koolyaanga) celebrated in the structure.

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