he History of Whiteman Park
The Park takes its name from Mr Lew Whiteman (1903-1994) who bought land in the area in 1939 for the purpose of grazing cattle, before developing the popular picnic spot of Mussel Pool in the 1960s.
From 1977 to 1990, land was purchased by the state government with the understanding that it be owned and used by the community in perpetuity.
The Park was officially opened in 1986 and named in recognition of Mr Whiteman.
Areas west of Beechboro Road and along the Bennett Brook south to the Swan River came under Whiteman Park management in 1999 and 2001. In 2007, these areas were formally added to the Park, increasing the total area to 3811ha.
Whiteman Park is reserved for parks and recreation in the Metropolitan Region Scheme, creating a space for the community whilst also protecting a major underground drinking water source, the Gnangara Water Mound, which supplies a large proportion of Perth’s drinking water.