Kent Street Weir Precinct

Something exciting is coming – the new district-level play space!

Following completion of the detailed design, the construction tender for the Kent St Weir District-Level Play Space is in the process of being awarded, with works set to begin around Christmas 2025.

Construction is scheduled to start in January 2026, with the exciting new space expected to open by mid-2026.

The design brings together:

• a junior play area
• a more challenging play space for older children
• water and sensory play zones
• picnic spots
• BBQ facilities
• thoughtfully designed landscaping and accessible pathways.

Every detail has been planned to ensure the space is welcoming, inclusive, and fun for everyone.

Built on universal design principles and guided by the City of Canning’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP), the play space will feature:

• sensory-rich and inclusive play experiences
• accessible swings, spinners, and pathways
• play elements for children of all abilities
• comfortable seating for carers and families.

Download the conceptual plan for the Kent Street Weir play space (PDF 1.6MB).

This space is more than just play – it’s also a celebration of culture and community. The site holds deep significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. From the very beginning, Traditional Owners have helped shape the design, ensuring their stories, language, and values are respectfully embedded throughout the space.

Local Indigenous artists will bring to life these stories of connection to Country, seasonal cycles, and cultural practices. The pieces will provide playful and educational opportunities for visitors – particularly children, who will be able to learn and engage with culture through play, creating meaningful experiences that foster understanding and appreciation.

Once complete, the district play space will become a vibrant community hub that inspires outdoor activity, creativity, and cultural understanding in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Get ready for a brand-new destination for fun, creativity, and connection for the whole community to enjoy!

Shelter Replacement

A new shelter and picnic setting has been installed in replacement of the removed shelter north of the drop-off loop that was removed due to vandalism and its age and condition. 

Kent Street Precinct Plan Stage 4 - Dog Exercise Area and Wetland Buffer construction

As part of the staged delivery of the Council endorsed Kent Street Weir Precinct plan, the City has completed the construction delivery of the Dog Exercise Area & Wetland Buffer (Stage 4).

Wetland Buffer

The City has been working with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions to create an extension of the Wilson Wetland Buffer. This expansion aims to decrease pollutants and disturbances to the wetland, ultimately enhancing the area's biodiversity.

New conservation fencing and large areas of native plating have been created, with over 21,000 native plants to be installed in the area.

The buffer helps protect the wetland and adds to the important ecological reserve that is the Canning River Regional Park.

To learn more, please download the FAQs (PDF 360KB).

Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area

Stage 4 also involved building a re-aligned 5,500m² securely fenced off-leash dog exercise area, complete with new amenities like shelters, seating, a sand pit, a drinking fountain, and lighting.

Air lock gates, a pathway and tree planting for future shade provision are included.

To learn more, please download the FAQs (PDF 360KB).

Kent Street Weir Pump Track

The new pump track was finished in September 2022. It's designed to suit riders of all levels, from beginners to experts. There are also jump lines for those seeking a challenge. Common Ground, a top track builder in Australia, constructed the track.

They're experienced BMX and mountain bike riders themselves, so they rode the track as they built it, making sure it flows well and offers the best riding experience with its jumps and lines.

Noongar Cultural Heritage Management Plan (NCHMP)

A Noongar Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been developed for the Kent Street Weir Precinct plan area, which recognises the sites importance for Whadjuk Noongar people.

Consultation with Whadjuk Noongar representatives was undertaken to structure and develop the NCHMP around the direction and advice of the Traditional Owners, and to allow for Indigenous led management recommendations and suggestions for future use of the Precinct to align with the aims and objectives of the Plan (City of Canning 2020).

The City has since developed a Working Group – Djarlgarro Weir Group, consisting of Whadjuk Noongar traditional owner representatives to guide the City with cultural heritage and site development matters and move forward the Kent Street Weir Precinct Plan.

Community Engagement Update

The City completed community engagement for this project in January 2021. For more information, download the Summary Report (PDF 1.2MB) or visit the Your Say website.

The City is now undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the site to further recognise the sites Aboriginal cultural heritage and inform the final detailed design works.