Waroona’s new “heart” officially opened to the public

It was a humble but happy crowd gathered in Waroona on Friday to watch scooters, skateboards and BMX bicycles fly through the air in the intense summer heat.

The Shire of Waroona’s $7 million community “heart”, Railside Park, officially opened to the public during a twilight ceremony on February 2, with live music, skate park tricks and food trucks.

Some of the attendees said they had driven more than an hour to experience the new skate park and enjoy the opening day celebration.

Shire president Cr Mike Walmsley said it was lovely to officially open the park to the public, adding it signified the shire’s commitment to not only young people, but everyone in the community.

“The community was instrumental in identifying the need for a central hub that allowed locals and visitors of all ages to join together,’ Cr Walmsley said.

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said the Shire of Waroona felt like it was missing its heart up until the opening.

“To me, (Railside Park) is now the heart of Waroona,” she said.

Also attending the opening was Labor Senator Louise Pratt who said, the park was “the place to be”.

“It’s really wonderful to see all the young people showing off their skills,” she said. “I really want to commend the local community for asking for what you wanted in this space.”

Sitting along the South Western Highway, the 11,500sqm park is expected to draw visitors into Waroona to enjoy its facilities.

Jackson Millsteed and his two-year-old son Elliot drove more than an hour to attend the opening of the park.

Elliot was a natural talent on the skate park.

Beyond the skate park, which was being worn in by the talents of the local community, the park hosts a native six-season garden, junior playground, toddler play area and picnic area.

The park is also home to Waroona’s war memorial, relocated from its previous site. The park will host its first Anzac service in April. Ms Clarke said she was really looking forward to attending it.

“I’ve been invited to all my Anzac Day ceremonies across the network, but I’m going to be coming to Waroona’s dawn service, because I think that is going to be spectacular,” she said.

The park will continue to be improved throughout 2024 and beyond, with the next stage of the project restoring two existing buildings within the precinct and adding additional artwork to the park.

Scooter trickster Haylee Ford, 12, said the park was great because it had something for everyone.