A bit of history from the Bassendean Preservation Group

The boardwalk was originally envisaged in the 1980s using planks of wood but in 1994 the Bassendean Preservation Group was awarded a City Landcare (NLP) Grant for foreshore protection works on the Ashfield Flats which included the construction of a brand-new timber boardwalk over the Chapman Street Main Drain with some educational signage.

The 70m long boardwalk was constructed by a Skillshare work team, and soon after was extended a further 5m by BPG members, Ted & Carlle Bentley. Three sign boards were also erected alongside the completed boardwalk, one of which remains in 2023 containing paintings of birds by local artist Peter Melling. 

There was an official launch on 28 October 1996, officiated by Stephen Smith, MP for Perth and Dr. Judy Edwards, MLA and then Minister for Environment in WA.   

The establishment of the first boardwalk led to the construction of a trafficable path over the adjacent Kitchener Road Main Drain and a bituminised path that opened the Ashfield Flats to the wider community.

By 2001 the original boardwalk was replaced and while it was still in good condition, the new one as it stands today was widened to allow wheelchairs to pass and included safety rails on each side.

Location

The boardwalk is located within Ashfield Flats, the largest remaining river-flat in the Perth metropolitan area. Pedestrian access to the boardwalk is via the foreshore path from Sandy Beach Reserve, Hardy Road carpark or the Roy Hookway platform (steps from Ashfield Parade). The site sits within a flood plain along the Swan River and is listed as Bush Forever site No. 214 and named in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

More Information

For updates on the Ashfield Flats Master Plan development (being coordinated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) please visit Ashfield Flats Master Plan | Social Pinpoint (mysocialpinpoint.com.au)