Omari Gates
May Drive is one of three tree-lined avenues in Kings Park, Western Australia, dedicated to honouring service personnel who died in the two World Wars and other engagements. The avenue was originally lined with memorial oaks and planes, but these were later replaced with bangalay, Eucalyptus botryoides, and Eucalyptus calophylla var. rosea. May Drive Parkland, formerly known as Synergy Parkland, is a popular playground for young families, featuring a lake, play and climbing equipment, and life-sized model dinosaurs. The park is located on the western side of Kings Park and can be accessed from Saw Avenue or Poole Avenue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Western side of Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia |
| Access | From Saw Avenue or Poole Avenue |
| Names | May Drive Parkland, Synergy Parkland, Dinosaur Playground, Rio Tinto Playground, Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park |
| Attractions | Lake, island, climbing equipment, life-sized model dinosaurs, Vietnam War memorial, Zamia cafe, Arthur Fairfall Playground, Lycopod Island playground, Moonlight Outdoor Cinema, Pioneer Women's Memorial, Backyard Botanicals Garden |
| History | Memorial oaks and planes were planted along May Drive in 1919, but they were later replaced with bangalay, Eucalyptus botryoides, and Eucalyptus calophylla var. rosea |
| Parking | Verge parking is permitted along May Drive |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
May Drive Parkland's prehistoric theme
May Drive Parkland, previously known as Synergy Parkland, is located on the western side of Kings Park in Western Australia. It is a popular picnic spot and adventure playground for children over six years old, featuring a 75-metre-long elevated walkway, an island fort, and life-sized replicas of extinct Australian dinosaurs and fauna. The park is fondly known as "The Dinosaur Playground" due to its many climbable dinosaur sculptures.
The park has two playgrounds. The first is the Arthur Fairfall Playground, a large wooden playground with a slide, swings, fireman's poles, and more. The second is the Lycopod Island Playground, which features a water mist forest, a wooden play structure and a tall, twisty slide. This playground is accessed via a boardwalk and is named for its gorgeous water feature, which is a drawcard in the summer months.
The prehistoric theme of May Drive Parkland extends beyond the dinosaur sculptures. The park provides educational information about prehistoric times, with signs around the park detailing the various prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth. The park also features an interactive water misting forest, where children can learn about ancient Stromatolites.
In addition to its prehistoric theme, May Drive Parkland offers beautiful golf course-worthy lawns, large open spaces, shady trees, and free-to-use BBQs, making it a great spot for social gatherings and family picnics. The park also hosts Moonlight Cinema's annual summer season, where movies are screened outdoors.
Climate Change: Australia's Food Security Challenge
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Honouring service personnel
Kings Park in Western Australia has three tree-lined avenues set aside to honour service personnel who died in the two World Wars and other engagements: May Drive, Lovekin Drive and Marri Walk.
May Drive was originally lined with memorial oak and plane trees after 1919. However, these eventually failed and were replaced with bangalay, Eucalyptus botryoides, and Eucalyptus calophylla var. rosea. Today, May Drive features plaques commemorating those who lost their lives in the World Wars. The West Perth sub-branch of the Returned Services League (now known as the Honour Avenues Group) has been responsible for the maintenance and preservation of these plaques since 1922.
Lovekin Drive was originally named Forrest Avenue. In 1920, Lovekin and board member Sir William Loton each donated 500 pounds (equivalent to A$78,608 in 2022) to clear and plant Forrest Avenue with sugar gums. After Lovekin's death, the avenue was renamed in his honour.
Marri Walk is the most recent addition to the avenues honouring service personnel. Kings Park also features the Vietnam War Memorial, which is located in the Synergy Parkland, formerly known as the May Drive Parkland. This playground features life-sized model dinosaurs and is a popular attraction for young families.
Australia: A Good Choice for Indians?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Vietnam War memorial
May Drive in Kings Park, Western Australia, is one of three avenues set aside to honour service personnel who died in the two World Wars and other engagements. The other two avenues are Lovekin Drive and Marri Walk.
The Cenotaph, located underneath the memorial, contains a roll of honour with the names of all servicemen and women who enlisted in Western Australia and died in various wars, including the Vietnam War.
Statute Law in Australia: How It's Made
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rio Tinto Naturescape
The playground is located on the western side of Kings Park and can be accessed from Saw Avenue or Poole Avenue. It is free to enter and open during specific hours, depending on the month. For example, from April to October, the playground is open from 9 am to 4 pm. Organised groups of 10 or more must book their visit in advance, and bookings are only available during school holidays and on weekends.
Australian Language and Accent: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Kings Park in Western Australia is a place of natural beauty, with playgrounds, walking trails, and memorials. One of the most notable walks within the park is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, which pays tribute to the Australian troops who fought in the Papua New Guinea campaign from July 1942 to January 1943 during World War II.
The Kings Park Guides, a group of dedicated volunteers, offer guided walks along the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and other areas of the park. These walks provide an opportunity to learn about the local Noongar names and traditions, as well as the park's history and natural features. The walks are tailored to the different Noongar seasons, with wildflower season from July to October, Makuru for May and June, and Birak-Djeran from November to April.
Exploring Australia's Massive Land Area
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
May Drive is one of three tree-lined avenues in Kings Park set aside to honour service personnel who died in the two World Wars and other engagements.
May Drive Parkland is a recreation area for the entire family, with rolling lawns, great play areas, free barbecues, a cafe, and beautiful gardens. It is particularly suitable for children over six years old, with a 75-metre long elevated walkway, an island fort, and large-scale replicas of extinct Australian mega-fauna.
In 1919, the land was allocated to memorial oaks and planes lining May Drive. However, these eventually failed and were substituted with bangalay, Eucalyptus botryoides, and Eucalyptus calophylla var. rosea.
May Drive can be accessed from the western side of Kings Park via Saw Avenue or Poole Avenue.
