Situated on Whadjuk Noongar country, Frank Gibson Park in Fremantle is a large open space that is currently underutilised and offers a perfect opportunity for bringing the local community together.
The existing buildings include the club rooms, canteen, storage rooms and bathrooms for the Fremantle Netball Association. The site is currently used for netball training on three evenings a week and games all day on Saturdays from April through October. The site is also used by local residents for dog walking, children playing and PT sessions. Outside of netball training and games however, there are usually only a handful of people at the site at any one time.
The design intent is to give purpose to the site and create a greater sense of community, encouraging local residents to come together and get to know one another better. It is hoped that this will create opportunities for those most in need to find a renewed sense of purpose and belonging and for the community to find fulfilment and joy through participating and giving.
This will be achieved by integrating the existing levels and zones through the addition of an amphitheatre, stage, playground, paths and plantings. The newly designed space will offer places to rest, play, connect and grow.
Programming will be essential in ensuring the space is activated throughout the year. On the lower green, events might include a weekly farmers market, Indigenous storytelling and craft events, swap meets to barter/swap items, movie nights, long table dinners, fundraising events, art exhibits and public seminars. The existing buildings would be ideal for club or group meetings and co-working space, and the existing toilet blocks could be made available for public use.
