Maniana Park

A Bold Transformation for Community Connection

Once a modest community oval, Maniana Park has been reimagined as a dynamic hub for recreation and connection. Through a collaboration between the City of Canning and Josh Byrne & Associates, the park now draws visitors from across Perth’s southern suburbs.

Mayor Patrick Hall said the transformation reflects the City’s commitment to creating welcoming, high quality public spaces for the community.

“Maniana Park shows what is possible when thoughtful design is paired with a strong focus on community use,” Mayor Hall said. “This park has quickly become a place where people come together to play, relax and connect.”

The transformed park now features community playing fields, a regional play space, a pump track, basketball court and various gathering spaces designed to foster rest, recreation and community connection.

Michal Carder, Senior Landscape Architect for City of Canning, has overseen implementation of the park. “I’ve had the privilege of working on this project since 2021,” she reflects. “Seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding, and everyone involved is thrilled with the outcome.”

A Bold New Identity for a Growing Precinct

Maniana Park sits within a broader masterplan for Queens Park, alongside the world class Sam Kerr Football Centre and the Maniana Conservation Reserve. The precinct is visually and physically connected through shared materials, motifs and a warm, nature inspired colour palette.

Mayor Hall said the park plays an important role in strengthening the identity of the precinct.

“This area is fast becoming a destination for sport, recreation and community life,” he said. “Maniana Park complements the surrounding facilities and adds another layer of amenity for residents and visitors.”

The striking local firewood banksia, Banksia menziesii, provided inspiration for the colour palette used across Maniana Park. An array of pinks, yellows and oranges appears throughout the space, including a standout orange featured on key elements and Street Furniture Australia’s Linea range.

“The predominant orange from the banksia flower flows from the play towers to the furniture, with Bistro Orange frames featured on Linea seating and tables,” Carder explains.

Designed for Everyone

Maniana Park became an instant destination from the moment construction fencing came down.

“People began visiting immediately,” says Carder. “By the official opening the next day, hundreds were already enjoying the space. It was bustling throughout the school holidays, with families picnicking, older residents strolling and people of all ages enjoying the play space, pump track and basketball court. It caters to all ages.”

Mayor Hall said the strong early response highlighted the importance of inclusive design.

“It is encouraging to see people of all ages and abilities using the park in different ways,” he said. “This space has been designed so everyone feels welcome.”

The flexibility of the Linea range allowed us to adapt every element to align with the vision for Maniana Park. We tailored the colour palette, incorporated plinth fixed seating on custom walls and selected pieces that support a broad spectrum of users. The result is furniture that feels seamlessly integrated, and purpose built for this space.

Michal Carder, Senior Landscape Architect for City of Canning.

Ample shade and diverse seating options encourage longer stays and flexible use. Accessibility and comfort were central to furniture selection.

“We chose pieces across the Linea range to ensure inclusivity,” Carder notes. “Accessible picnic tables for wheelchairs and prams, benches with backs and armrests for older users, and casual seating for families and teens.”

Built for High Use and Low Maintenance

With the park’s immediate popularity, durability was a priority. The maintenance team at the City of Canning welcomed the timber look aluminium battens.

“They look fantastic and eliminate the need for oiling timber,” Carder says. “That was a big win for our maintenance department. We’re confident they’ll stand the test of time, and so far, so good.”

Mayor Hall said long term performance was an important consideration for the City.

“Our parks need to cope with high use while remaining cost effective to maintain,” he said. “Maniana Park has been designed with longevity in mind.”

A Park the Community Has Claimed as Its Own

For Carder, the most rewarding outcome has been the community response.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from locals and visitors alike,” she says. “People are spending time here. There are mature trees, shade and grassy areas, and so much to do. It’s a beautiful place to be.”

Mayor Hall said the park’s success lies in how quickly the community has embraced it.

“Seeing Maniana Park so well used is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It has become a place the community clearly values and enjoys.”

Maniana Park demonstrates how inclusive design, durable materials and a strong sense of place can transform public spaces into cherished community destinations.