Recently upgraded Mary Carroll Park wins prestigious WA park of the year title
A multimillion-dollar Gosnells park has been named WA’s park of the year.
Mary Carroll Park took first prize at the Parks and Leisure Australia WA Awards 2026, beating West Park in Whitfords and Maniana Park in Canning.
The award celebrated the transformation of underutilized wetlands into a culturally and ecologically diverse community space.
“Mary Carroll Park wetlands are a stunning green and blue gem within the city,” said Mayor Terresa Lynes.
“This award highlights the successful integration of the city’s Noongar cultural knowledge, seasonal wetland processes and Mary Carroll’s legacy of outdoor education to transform the park into a unique community asset.”
The wetlands have recently undergone a two-year redevelopment project to install the largest all-ability playground in Gosnells, a new footbridge across the wetlands and more accessible community spaces. The $3.5 million project was completed in April.
The playground, which features a giant Gilgie play structure, Noongar six-season spinners and a flying fox, also won the award for best playground at a cost of more than $1 million.
“A visitor to Mary Carroll Park welcomes all ages and abilities into a vibrant landscape of playgrounds, water, wildlife and Noongar stories,” Ms Lynes said.
“Gilgie, the immersive nature-based playground and iconic giant emerging from the wetland, has proven extremely popular with local children and families.
“The space is completely accessible and inclusive, and is designed for people of all generations and cultures to wander, explore and belong.”
The project also installed a hand-carved timer arch with a bench overlooking the wetlands, featuring artwork by local Noongar artists Gertrina Hayden and Tamara Hayden.
Streetscape improvements, accessible roads, public restrooms and improved parking and lighting were also part of the redevelopment of the area.
Mary Carroll Park will now be considered for the Parks and Recreation Australia National Awards in December.
