Built for Action: AV That Moves with the Community

In a rapidly evolving world where technology increasingly shapes how we gather, play, and connect, the role of audiovisual infrastructure in community spaces is more important than ever. At FocusAV, we take pride in delivering AV solutions that are not only functional, but deeply aligned with the purpose and personality of the spaces they support.

One of our most exciting recent projects took us to Sutherlands Park in the City of Gosnells, where a bold new vision for youth engagement has taken shape — the Youth Entertainment Space (YES). This purpose-built outdoor venue is the first of its kind in the Perth metropolitan area, designed as a multi-use, all-weather destination for recreation, creativity, and social connection.

Bringing a Community Concept to Life

The YES project was the result of extensive community consultation, with young people playing a central role in shaping its design. From skateboarding and basketball to BMX, futsal, and urban play, the facility caters to a broad range of interests — and was built with long-term inclusivity and activation in mind.

Key features of the venue include:

• A large covered skate plaza and shallow skate bowl

• Multi-purpose courts with LED and sports lighting

• A sealed pump track for scooters and bikes

• Social seating areas and swings

• An integrated AV system for music, events, announcements and more

That’s where FocusAV came in — with a brief to design and install an AV system that could meet the diverse demands of this dynamic community hub.

Designing for Performance and Practicality

Outdoor community venues present a unique challenge: the AV system must perform reliably across a wide range of environmental conditions and user needs — while remaining simple enough to operate by local staff or event coordinators.

For Sutherlands Park YES, we tailored a solution built around several key principles:

• Durability – Components had to be weather-resistant and suitable for semi-public use.

• Flexibility – The system needed to support everything from background music to live performance playback.

• Ease of use – Local teams should be able to manage the system without specialist technical training.

• Coverage – Audio and visuals needed to be effective across a large open space, even under bright daylight.

The Solution: Robust AV That Moves With the Space

To meet these requirements, we implemented a carefully specified AV package including:

Projection System

• 3x Panasonic PT-MZ880 8000-lumen Laser Projectors
  These commercial-grade projectors offer high brightness, clarity, and energy efficiency — ideal for daylight visibility under the plaza’s shelter.

• Ultralift Outdoor Projector Enclosures
  Each projector is mounted in a custom outdoor-rated enclosure to ensure long-term performance and protection.

Audio System

• 16x Q-SYS 4.5” Surface Mount Speakers
  Compact yet powerful, these speakers provide full-range audio coverage across the plaza without overpowering the space.

• 800W FlexAmp Audio Amplifier & Core 8 Flex Audio DSP
  These components provide precise audio control and flexible zone management, ensuring great sound regardless of the audience size or use case.

• Listen Technologies WiFi Hearing Augmentation Server
  An inclusive touch — allowing individuals with hearing impairments to stream audio directly to their devices.

Video & Control

• 4×4 HDBT Video Matrix
  Enables routing of multiple video sources to different displays or projectors with minimal signal loss.

• Q-SYS 7” PoE Touch Screen Controller
  A user-friendly interface that gives local operators intuitive access to system controls — ideal for community staff and facilitators.

This integrated setup means the space is now equipped for everything from passive background music and youth movie nights, to active use in community festivals, workshops, and performances.

Designed to Keep Pace With Its Community

What sets this project apart is how closely the AV system is tied to the purpose of the space. It isn’t just a technical install — it’s an enabler for community expression, safety, and engagement.

• Audio helps with real-time announcements during skate events or sports games, while also setting the tone with music.

• Projection adds a new visual layer for community movie nights, digital art displays, or presentations.

• Wireless accessibility features ensure that the system is inclusive, supporting users of all abilities.

As a youth-oriented facility, YES also needed to accommodate a high level of activity and wear. Every element of the AV system was selected with this in mind — from vandal-resistant enclosures to simplified controls.

“We designed this system to grow with the space — to support both planned events and spontaneous moments. It’s a flexible, resilient AV backbone for a venue that will serve thousands of young people over the coming years.”
— James Lawrence, FocusAV Project Manager

Why AV Matters in Public Spaces

AV solutions in public and civic spaces are no longer a luxury — they’re an essential part of modern placemaking. When done right, they enhance:

• Engagement — AV draws people in and encourages interaction.

• Inclusivity — Systems can be tailored to support a wide range of needs, including accessibility.

• Versatility — A single space can host more kinds of events and programs with less effort.

• Safety & Communication — Clear announcements and visual aids improve situational awareness.

In the case of Sutherlands Park, the AV system ensures the YES facility can function as both a casual hangout spot and a venue for structured community events — all at the touch of a button.

The Outcome

The result is a space that feels modern, engaging, and well-considered. By combining thoughtful urban design with smart technology, the City of Gosnells has created a template for youth-focused spaces that are active, inclusive, and inspiring.

We’re proud to have contributed to this project and look forward to seeing how the community continues to activate the space.

Interested in how AV can transform your venue?

Let’s talk about your next project

📍 Learn more about the Youth Entertainment Space at Sutherlands Park: Here

Image Credit: Selected photos courtesy of the City of Gosnells. Used with appreciation from the Sutherlands Park Youth Entertainment Space project page.