Katanning’s All Ages Playground secures triple title at WA Landscape Architecture Awards

Katanning’s revamped All Ages Playground has claimed three titles at this year’s WA Landscape Architecture Awards.

Hosted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, the awards recognise excellence in landscape design and building across Australia.

The Perth-based landscape architecture firm behind the $5 million Katanning Welcome Precinct, Plan E, took out three gongs at the WA chapter of the awards on July 31.

The firm secured top prizes in the Excellence in Play Spaces and Parks and Open Space categories.

It was one of two recipients of the Regional Achievement in Landscape Architecture title.

Plan E’s design aimed to capture the industrial and agricultural heritage synonymous with Katanning and repurpose the 1980s-era playground to create an inviting gateway to the town centre.

In the judges’ comments, the architects were praised for working with the community to weave new design elements with the strengths of the existing structures.

The architects maintained the “sense of challenge, daring and adventure” that was the hallmark of the original park, the judges said.

“The Katanning Welcome Precinct project demonstrates understanding and enhancement of the kind of essence and memory that resides in small rural communities,” the jury said.

Shire of Katanning president Liz Guidera said although the process was challenging at times, the award nods were rewarding for all involved.

“The feedback from our families and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, the refurbishment of the old equipment is a crowd favourite,” she said.

“It is wonderful to hear that so much enjoyment is experienced at the park and it is beneficial for our town’s economy.”

As winners of the WA chapter, Plan E will proceed to the AILA National Landscape Architecture Awards in October.