Members of the community and key stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub on Saturday 26 September.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob joined Federal Member for Moore Ian Goodenough, who was representing the Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck, in cutting a ribbon to mark the occasion.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Harbour Rise Home Owners Association, who in 2012 first proposed that the City develop a stairway linking the grassed area of Whitfords Nodes Park to the summit of the dune lookout in the north-east corner of the park.
The Joondalup Council supported the construction of a stairway, and community consultation conducted in late-2017 showed that 87 per cent of respondents strongly supported or supported the overall proposal of a Health and Wellbeing Hub.
The Health and Wellbeing Hub aimed to bring a range of fitness activities into one location and increase recreational opportunities within the park.
The City received a grant of $719,266 from Lotterywest to go towards construction of Stage 1, which included a new regional play space, improved parkland amenities and furniture, new drinking fountains and bottle refill stations, picnic shelters and park furniture, as well as fixed outdoor fitness equipment. Stage 1 was opened in late-2019.
The City also received $500,000 in funding as part of the Federal Government’s Community Sport Infrastructure (CSI) grant program to complete Stage 2 of the project, which included construction of the stairway as well as upgrades to running tracks and the existing path network.
The stairway, with an elevation of 21m, will allow users to undertake a vigorous exercise regime, running or walking up and down the incline.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the opening of the $2.14 million Health and Wellbeing Hub was the culmination of many years of hard work from the City, the Council and members of the community.
“Local residents and community groups have been eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, which was a high priority for the City as we are committed to fostering active and healthy lifestyle opportunities,” Mayor Jacob said.
“We also recognise the vital role recreational activities play in building and engaging communities and enhancing community spirit.
“Attracting visitors to our City is also a priority, and this project will not only enhance the amenity and usability of Whitfords Nodes Park for local residents, it will draw substantial visitor traffic from outside the northern corridor.
“Apart from hosting large triathlon events, Whitfords Nodes Park is regularly used by fitness groups as well as the general public exercising on a daily basis.
“It has also become a highly-sought after venue for concert events, with a Fatboy Slim concert held earlier this year attracting positive feedback from event organisers and attendees alike.”
Mayor Jacob also thanked Mr Goodenough for his advocacy in helping to secure Federal Government funding for this project and Lotterywest for their valuable support.
“This is an example of all three tiers of government working together to achieve a fantastic result for local residents and visitors to our great City,” he said.
Mr Goodenough said: “It has been six years since the Harbour Rise Home Owners Association first brought this concept to me in 2014, and it is fulfilling to see the whole community enjoy the completed project.”
Lotterywest CEO Susan Hunt PSM said the $719,266 grant has helped create an inclusive and accessible recreational precinct.
“Lotterywest is proud to support this space that’s encouraging physical activity while also embracing our beautiful coastal environment,” Ms Hunt said.
“Thanks to Lotterywest retailers and players we can raise money to make spaces likes this possible, in the last financial year alone we raised a record $292 million for WA community groups.”