Construction has begun on a riverside playground in Perth which will invite people of all ages to jump on the swings and take a ride on a flying fox.

The All Abilities Play Space is now in the early stages of construction at Beaton Park, on the Swan River foreshore at Nedlands.

The $4 million project has been initiated by the City of Nedlands and funded by Rotary Clubs and public donations, and aims to let people of all ages be playful.

The landscape architect who has designed the playground, Fiona Robbé, told ABC Radio Perth many adults wanted to use playgrounds but felt they were not supposed to.

"I think that we are all playful human beings but we often lack the cues in our public environment to actually play," Ms Robbé said.

"Much as we may all love to swing or spin, we feel shy about it because it is something that children do and it's childish.

"So this playground is designed in such a way that you are encouraged, all the cues are there."

The playground is expected to include traditional equipment like swings, slides and flying foxes as well as devices designed to improve physical agility.

There will also be swings of all sizes — something Ms Robbé said had been a common request.

"There will be scientific discoveries and a sensory walkway where you can experience different musical sounds," she said.

Swings for seniors

The playground's concept received an enthusiastic response from ABC Radio Perth listeners.

"I always go on the swings with my granddaughter. I go as high as I can and make loud noises of joyfulness — my granddaughter loves it, she shrieks with delight and it's such fun," Tracy said.

"I love the idea of adult playgrounds. My 23-year-old autistic son loves to go to swings and playgrounds but we are looked at strangely by other parents and children," Kathy said.

"It can feel very uncomfortable. People need to understand that just because he is an adult size he still loves to play."