THE KIDS' BRIDGE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION
A dream almost two decades in the making is set to come true this year, thanks to funding support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation.
Construction is now underway on The Kids' Bridge - a rainbow-coloured walkway snaking over Winthrop Avenue that will allow pedestrians to cross safely from Perth Children's Hospital to Kings Park.
The idea for a bridge linking the hospital to Perth's most iconic natural landmark was first proposed by the Youth Advisory Committee – a group of children and adolescents that had involvement with Perth’s former children’s hospital (Princess Margaret) due to illness or long-term health conditions.
This concept also drew support from medical experts and hospital staff, who recognised the value of patients having an accessible path to the outdoors. Apart from the benefits to mental health and well-being, clinicians saw the bridge's gentle, sloping design as offering an ideal venue for patients exercising and undergoing rehabilitation.
The Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) Foundation delivered a formal proposal for the Kids' Bridge in 2012, which was later supported by a significant donation from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation in 2015.
This donation encouraged further contributions towards the project and ensured its viability through a series of delays and development hurdles.
Stan Perron Charitable Foundation Trustee Steve Carulli reflected on the uncertainty over the project's future at the time and the importance of this early “cornerstone” donation.
"It is very likely that without Stan Perron’s original contribution, that the bridge would never have seen fruition", Steve said.
"It will be fantastic for the kids (and their families) with tough journeys ahead to hopefully get some moments of respite enjoying beautiful Kings Park.”
Earlier this year, PCH Foundation Chair, Hon. Ian Campbell said The Kids' Bridge would enrich the lives of those staying at the hospital for generations to come:
"After 19 years of dreaming and nine years of planning and fundraising - in six months from now, kids and families spending time at the hospital will be able to cross this bridge connecting one of the world's greatest children's hospitals with one of the world's greatest urban bushland parks", he said.
Local firm Civmec was awarded a construction contract in December 2020, and work on the bridge is expected to finish in mid-2021.
Published: April 2021