Mullaloo Playground Demolished, Leaving Community in Disarray
A patch of barren dirt now stands where the Triton Park playground in Mullaloo once thrived, after the City of Joondalup tore down the swings and slides this week. The equipment, cherished by generations of children for decades, has been removed, sparking intense frustration among local families who relied on the space for community gatherings and daily recreation.
City Decision Sparks Widespread Disappointment
The City of Joondalup decided to dismantle the playground as it had reached the end of its useful life, but controversially opted not to replace it. This move came despite a 99-signature petition from residents, which was unanimously rejected by the council in February last year. Local resident Pauline Lyon expressed deep sadness, noting that the playground served as a vital focal point for the neighbourhood, hosting annual Easter and Christmas catch-ups and bringing people together.
"We're just really sad to see it go; we use it, we value it, and it brings people together," Ms Lyon said. "We're not asking for anything outrageous, we just want something simple replaced." Johnny Young, a 36-year resident of Mullaloo, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the playground's importance for his children, including a 16-year-old with autism spectrum disorder who uses the swing for self-regulation.
Official Justification and Community Backlash
City of Joondalup temporary CEO Nico Claassen acknowledged the disappointment but defended the decision, stating it was based on ensuring equitable distribution of playspaces. He cited the State Planning Policy Liveable Neighbourhoods, which considers a 400-metre walkable catchment appropriate for accessing public open space. According to Mr Claassen, all homes near Triton Park fall within the catchments of three nearby parks—Charonia Park, Kallaroo Park, and Koolyanga Park—each with established play infrastructure.
"Because Triton Park sits entirely within this overlap area, it had previously been identified for rationalisation once the equipment reached the end of its service life," Mr Claassen explained. He emphasised that the decision was not driven by financial pressures, despite the city facing a $20 million budget operational shortfall, but rather by a long-standing planning framework to direct investment to areas with genuine gaps in provision.
Political Support and Broader Context
Hillarys MP Caitlin Collins expressed shock and disappointment, pledging to write to the mayor to request reconsideration. "I was shocked and really disappointed to hear that the playground at Triton Park in Mullaloo is being removed and not replaced," Ms Collins said. "While I understand the existing playground had reached the end of its life and was no longer considered safe, the answer should not simply be to remove it."
This incident is part of a broader trend, with the city having removed playgrounds at Sycamore Park and Castlefern Park in Duncraig, Byrne Park in Padbury, and Geneff Park in Sorrento over the past five years. Four more playgrounds are slated for removal, while six new play spaces have been constructed and two more are due to be built. Notably, no funds were allocated for replacing the Triton Park playground, but $15,000 was set aside in the 2025-26 budget for a bike skills track at the site.
The city previously estimated the cost of designing and constructing a renewed playspace at Triton Park at $120,000, a figure that now stands as a point of contention for residents advocating for restoration. As the community rallies, the future of this cherished local asset remains uncertain, highlighting ongoing tensions between municipal planning priorities and grassroots needs.
