Published on Wednesday, 10 March 2021 at 11:01:37 AM
Thanks to the collaborative effort between the Shire of Coolgardie, mining industry and the community, Coolgardie’s Ben Prior Park re-opened with a new and improved look on Saturday 6 March.
The park is one of Western Australia’s largest open-air museums and a cherished piece of Coolgardie’s history. Named after Ben Prior, a prospector that arrived in Coolgardie in 1932 and gifted the Park to the Shire of Coolgardie before he passed away.
The official re-opening of the park was held by the Shire of Coolgardie in honour of Ben Prior which was attended by over 150 visitors including Evolution Mining Executives and Coolgardie Men’s Shed members. They were joined by members of Mr Prior’s family including his daughter Nancy Harrison who has written a biography about her visionary father titled Ben’s Black Gold.
Apart from the restored historical items on display, the park has a brand new nature playground which attracted many families to the opening who enjoyed a play and a spot of lunch under the many trees dotted around the park and gazebos with built-in seating.
Children and adults alike were catered to with Brackleman’s Deli food van on site, Queen Bee coffee was complimentary thanks to the Shire of Coolgardie and the Ice Cream Queen provided cool treats to all.
After the formalities, local historian Victor Churchill Dale provided tours of the park and its restored historical items, imparting knowledge to a new generation of eager listeners.
Nancy Harrison signed copies of her book with many-a- buyers eyes lighting up as they recalled childhood memories of Ben and the park from their youth.
Thanks to Marcus McGuire live music filled the air and families were invited to stay and enjoy the park until close.
The Park’s new opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 9.00 am to 5.00 PM and it is closed on public holidays.
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