Langley Park, Perth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Langley Park |
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Langley Park, looking across the western end towards the Perth CBD. The dominant building on the right is the Federal Law Courts, the gardens in front include Government House and Supreme Court Gardens
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| General information | |
| Type | Park |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°57′41″S 115°52′8″E / 31.96139°S 115.86889°E |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 14 October 2011 |
| Reference no. | 3346 |
Langley Park is a large open space in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. It sits right next to Riverside Drive. This grassy area is shaped like a rectangle. It measures about 900 meters long and 100 meters wide.
The park was created by adding new land to the edge of the Swan River. This happened between 1921 and 1935. The goal was to make a big open space close to the city center.
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A Park with Wings: Langley Park's Aviation History
Langley Park has a cool history with airplanes! Major Norman Brearley, a pioneer in Western Australian aviation, used the park as an airstrip in the 1920s. This means planes could land and take off right from the park.
This tradition of planes landing in the park still happens sometimes. These events are called "fly-ins." In 2003, to celebrate 100 years of powered flight, ten aircraft landed there. Each plane represented a different decade of the 20th century.
Sometimes, planes even use the park for emergency landings. In 1997, a Tiger Moth plane had engine trouble and landed safely in the park. Even though it's not an official airport, Langley Park is special. It's one of the few places where planes can land so close to a city's downtown area.
Fun and Events: What Happens at Langley Park Today?
Langley Park's great location makes it a popular spot for many events.
Watching the Skyworks
Many people gather at Langley Park to watch the annual Lotterywest Skyworks. These amazing fireworks displays happen over the Swan River. The park offers a fantastic view of the show.
Car Rallies and Air Races
The park has also hosted exciting sports events. The Telstra Rally Australia World Rally Championship held parts of its competition here. This happened for 11 years, from 1992 to 2002, and again in 2005.
From 2006 to 2008, Langley Park was the airfield for the final stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Series. This thrilling event featured planes racing over the Swan River and Perth Water.
Cirque du Soleil Shows
Cirque du Soleil often sets up its famous big top tent at Langley Park. This is where they perform their amazing shows when they visit Australia. Some of the shows performed here include Saltimbanco, Alegria, Quidam, Dralion, and Ovo.
Celebrating Sports Heroes
On September 30, 2018, Langley Park was the place for a huge celebration. It was where the West Coast Eagles football team celebrated with their fans after winning the 2018 AFL Grand Final.
