Darkan Skate Park, Darkan WA

The Challenge

Located approximately 200 kilometres south-east of Perth, the small rural settlement of Darkan in the Shire of West Arthur sought to upgrade furniture within the Darkan Skate Park shelter area.

Council faced the challenge of providing wheelchair-accessible table settings that could integrate seamlessly with the natural aesthetics of the area. Furniture needed to achieve a timber-like appearance to harmonise with the surrounding environment, while still delivering long-term durability and low maintenance.

In addition, a coordinated approach was required to furnish the shelter with multifunctional furniture, BBQs and a drinking fountain to create a practical and inclusive space for community use.

The Solution

GX Outdoors worked closely with the Council for a completion park solution that addressed functional, accessibility and aesthetic requirements:

1. Table Settings
   To create an inclusive setting that felt connected to Darkan’s natural character, Council selected Hyve bar-height and standard dining-height table settings from the Hyve modular furniture suite. The dining-height settings were designed for wheelchair accessibility, supporting equitable use by all park users. For a warm timber aesthetic without the maintenance challenges of traditional timber, the furniture was finished in GX Outdoors’ Timberimage — an aluminium solution that replicates the look of natural timber while delivering long-term durability, low maintenance and recyclability.
2. Corten-Look Powder Coat Finish
   To further complement the surrounding landscape and shelter design, furniture frames were finished in a Core Ten steel-look powder coat. This finish enhances visual integration with the environment while providing strong corrosion resistance.
3. BBQs and Drinking Fountain
   Three Contour BBQs were supplied to support outdoor cooking and social gatherings, with wheelchair-accessible design enabling inclusive use by people of all abilities. A Reviva Drinking Fountain was also included, featuring a curved frame that allows for easy wheelchair access while improving overall amenity and convenience for park users. 

The result is a practical, accessible and visually cohesive shelter space that responds directly to the community needs. By combining inclusive design, durable materials and finishes that reflect Darkan’s natural character, the project has delivered everyday amenity that supports how the community uses Darkan Skate Park now and into the future.

For more information on designing inclusive spaces that support wheelchair accessibility and equitable use, see our DDA Easy Access Guide.