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Kids Bridge Shared Pathway, Perth Children’s Hospital

This iconic Kids Bridge linking the Perth Children’s Hospital to Kings Park had to not only deliver safety and sustainability benefits, it also had to deliver an inspiring and uplifting environment for all users.

Client: Main Roads WA and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation 

Product: OmniGrip ReSurface 

Completed: 2021

Client problems

Needed to sustainably surface a pedestrian link that was functional, colourful and importantly safe.

In perhaps one of our most challenging jobs to date, the customers were looking for a surfacing solution that met several safety, sustainability, functional and aesthetic requirements. They also insisted on a solution that had long-term durability with minimal maintenance costs in the future.

Main Roads WA and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation wanted to create a vital pedestrian link between the Perth Children’s Hospital and Kings Park.

The design was tricky as it needed to reflect the vibrant and colorful logo of the Perth Children’s Hospital, ensuring the bridge could not only facilitate safe and easy access to WA’s premier parkland, but also a place for relaxation and reflection for hospital staff, patients, and visitors.

The clients also wanted a sustainable solution that would have a light touch on the nearby environment, while harmonising with the natural surroundings of Kings Park and enhancing its serene atmosphere.

Constructing a bridge that extends over the tree canopy to offer a treetop walk and viewing platform also posed unique challenges. The bridge needed to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining a high level of safety and slip resistance.

Our solution

OmniGrip Direct addressed these challenges by selecting OmniGrip ReSurface for the Kids Bridge’s shared pathway. We accurately reproduced 11 vibrant and fresh colours including Apple Green, Avocado, Crimson, International Orange, Kikuyu, Marigold, Neutral Grey, Oyster, Purple, Red Oxide and Ultramarine

OmniGrip ReSurface was chosen for its superior slip resistance and durability, essential for ensuring the safety of pedestrians, including patients and staff from the hospital.

The surface treatment involved the use of 1.5mm  crushed colored Australian Recycled Glass, and our local expert applicator collaborated closely with the designers, Main Roads WA, and the builders to provide a tailored solution.

The 655m² of OmniGrip ReSurface applied to the pathway is both economical and durable, ensuring it can withstand the elements and heavy use with minimal maintenance. This solution guarantees that the Kids Bridge will remain a dynamic and attractive feature for years to come, with an easy to clean slip resistant surface.

Detailed results and impact

The implementation of OmniGrip ReSurface on the Kids Bridge has yielded significant benefits:

  • Aesthetic Integration: The colorful surface treatment enhances the visual appeal of the bridge, creating an inspiring environment that reflects the vibrant logo of Perth Children’s Hospital. It demonstrates our ability to colour match our surfaces to meet the needs of architects, landscapers and project designers.
  • Safety and Durability: OmniGrip ReSurface effectively prioritises slips, trips and falls prevention and ensures the safety of all users, particularly important for a pedestrian bridge frequented by hospital patients and staff.
  • The durable surface demonstrates how to increase product life cycles and how to improve financial sustainability through minimal maintenance.
  • Environmental Impact: The use of recycled glass in the surface treatment not only provides aesthetic and functional benefits but also demonstrated how to reduce the environmental impact of construction. The project repurposed the equivalent of 22,925 beer bottles, also contributing to sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.

Benefits to Main Roads WA and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation

  • Enhanced Safety: The slip-resistant surface ensures a safe walking environment, crucial for hospital staff, patients, and visitors.
  • Long-Term Durability: The durable nature of OmniGrip ReSurface means the bridge will require minimal maintenance, ensuring long-term cost savings.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors of the surface treatment enhance the visual appeal of the bridge, creating a welcoming and inspiring space for all users.
  • Environmental Sustainability: The project’s use of recycled materials supports broader sustainability goals, making the Kids Bridge an environmentally responsible initiative.

“The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation is delighted to fund what we believe is a wonderful legacy to WA’s sick children and their families. The Kids’ Bridge will be an outstanding addition to the world-class facility that is the Perth Children’s Hospital. We applaud the WA Government for so enthusiastically supporting this milestone project.”

– Hon. Ian Campbell, Chairman, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation

This Case Study highlights how OmniGrip Direct’s ReSurface has successfully addressed the functional and aesthetic challenges of the Kids Bridge, resulting in a safe, durable, and visually appealing pathway that benefits the hospital community and visitors alike.
 

Results at a glance

  • 6 Tonnes of Recycled Glass Repurposed
  • Increased Slip-Resistance
  • Minimal Maintenance Requirements
  • Equivalent of 22,925 Beer Bottles Recycled