Now correctly describes a resin-cast detail, not metal artwork

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Shelley Beach Park

Mini Double Pole Basket Swing at Shelley Beach Park playground, Pelican Nest Fort and shade sail in background, Canning River foreshore

Medium-wide of the Pelican Nest Fort from ground level — pelican carving at summit of central bush pole, yellow slides either side, shade sail overhead, Canning River and far bank visible behind. Alt Text: VRI Pelican Nest Fort at Shelley Beach Park playground — carved pelican at summit of Jarrah bush pole, yellow slides and Canning River in background

Resin-cast coins embedded in a Jarrah timber bush pole inside the Pelican Nest Fort at Shelley Beach Park playground — hidden treasure detail by VRI

Pelican footprint carved in relief into a Jarrah structural bush pole at Shelley Beach Park playground — hand-crafted detail by Van Ryt Industries

Time to Cook painted sign on the Little Cooker Kitchen play structure at Shelley Beach Park playground, Jarrah timber, native vegetation in background

Jarrah log stumps arranged around a native sheoak tree at Shelley Beach Park playground — nature play balance zone on the Canning River foreshore

The Shelley Beach Park playground is one of Western Australia's most distinctive foreshore play spaces — a custom-designed, multi-generational destination built along the banks of the Canning River in Shelley. Van Ryt Industries partnered with the City of Canning to design and fabricate the junior play zone, delivering bespoke Jarrah timber play equipment designed in accordance with AS 4685 — structures that respond directly to their foreshore setting in material, scale, and story.

The $2.2 million playground — supported by a $750,000 Lotterywest grant — opened in December 2024 as the City of Canning's first district-level, multi-generational play space, featuring three distinct play areas across the foreshore site. VRI's scope covered the junior play zone — a carefully crafted environment for the youngest visitors, seamlessly integrated with the broader park renewal delivered by landscape contractor PHASE3.

The Pelican Project

Nestled among the trees along Shelley Foreshore at Shelley Beach Park, Van Ryt Industries collaborated closely with the City of Canning's Landscape Architects to develop a bespoke junior play structure inspired by the pelican and its seaside habitat. The design aims to spark creativity, curiosity, and physical activity in young children while ensuring a safe and stimulating environment.

The play structure — the 158-PNF Pelican Nest Fort — is a unique, custom-built multi-level platform handcrafted from West Australian Jarrah hardwood, echoing the appearance of a pelican's nest. Key to this design were intricate details embedded within the structural bush poles: resin-cast features including coins, a message in a bottle, shells, and other nature-inspired items. These elements were strategically placed throughout the structure, adding an element of surprise and delight — enhancing both children's play experience and imagination.

In addition to the Pelican Nest Fort, VRI worked alongside PHASE3 to provide recommendations for the surrounding landscaping, ensuring all play features were seamlessly and safely integrated into the overall space. The junior play area also includes a custom version of the 222-MPS Mini Double Pole Basket Swing, specifically scaled for the junior age group.

Despite working within a defined budget and specific requirements, VRI balanced creativity and functionality throughout. All Shelley Beach Park playground equipment was designed in accordance with AS 4685, fitted into a compact layout surrounded by shade poles. The result is a cohesive play space offering a wide range of activities: multiple levels, slides, rope nets, climbing features, stairs, and weaving poles — catering to the diverse needs of young children and their carers.

Featured Equipment

VRI works with WA councils and landscape architects to deliver bespoke playground equipment for public open spaces across the state. See our work at Parmelia Park Playground in South Fremantle — another City of Femantle public open space installation — or contact Van Ryt Industries to discuss your next project.