Fences at Bunbury Youth Precinct come down

The fences at the highly anticipated youth precinct on the Bunbury Foreshore came down yesterday, with hundreds of families making the most of the sunshine.

The more than $8 million Bunbury Youth Precinct was open for the first time at the weekend ahead of its name being revealed on Thursday.

The City of Bunbury said they were pleased to open the Luciana Park hub, which boasts a multi-sports court, parkour areas, mini-golf, a youth services building, beach climbing net, event and performance space and more.

The project was funded through $4.5 million from Bunbury City Council, a $2.5m grant from Lotterywest, $1.2m from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and a grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The City said the project was driven by the community and Bunbury’s Youth Advisory Council.

Bunbury father Mick Byrne said the inclusive design of the park meant kids like his five-year-old son Will, who is wheelchair-bound, had a safe and accessible space to play.

“It gives him another place we can take him where it’s safe,” Mr Byrne said.

The project was initially set to be open last summer but was forced to be pushed back because of delayed builder availability, and manufacturing and materials supply issues because of COVID.

The City said a major opening event will be held later this year in October, but the name of the precinct will be announced on Thursday.

The community is invited to start using the area from 2pm on Thursday with a coffee van and DJ on site, along with the opportunity for tours of the new space.