Grass Will Be Greener - Regional Redevelopment

Stakeholder: Housing NSW

This project proposed a multi-functional park with an amphitheatre and surrounding seating, a cycle path and a walkway for the unused land in this public space.

The space is intended to offer diverse uses to the community, to foster community interaction in a welcoming environment and to develop the identity of the local community.

The main redevelopment ideas were:

• Amphitheatre: with excavated grass steps and seating; the wide grass steps can be used as both passage up the hill as well as seating for use as an amphitheatre. Similar to retaining walls, they also prevent wear and tear to the grassed areas.

• Pathways: wide, generous proportions to allow multiple users to co-exist. As a concreted path, it would be durable and suited to prams, bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards and pedestrians. The integrated stencilling aesthetically links the pathway to the overall community garden presentation.

Other landscape and urban design concepts included in this proposal:

• A stone façade: the excavation also has structure that prevents degradation from weather erosion. It also is not suited for skaters grinding on the edge of the stairs.

• Wooden decking: a durable surface is very low maintenance. It is intended to support a multitude of purposes such as meetings, picnics, markets, open air cinemas, plays, performances etc. As a slightly uneven surface it does not lend itself to graffiti or vandalism.

• Rubbish bins: different occasions and uses will create an increased need for rubbish collection. We propose sturdy, in-built bins at the edges of the amphitheatre as well as by the footpaths near the bus stops.

• Lighting: the area needs to be well lit for safety and use at all times. Two types of lights have been proposed: Recessed steel exterior ground lights – Sturdy, permanent, difficult to vandalise, non-invasive and cannot be stolen.

• Vandal resistant light posts: allowing for the full use of the amphitheatre at night time. Also allows for safe, visible passageways through the open space.

• Landscaping: using a variety of materials a rock garden with native trees and shrubs would allow the space to remain as low maintenance as possible, whilst still beautifying the space. All grass areas are easy to access for mowing. General upkeep in terms of plant care are minimised with hardy natives.

This proposal also recommended that the construction of the park and future maintenance becomes the responsibility of the local council to generate employment opportunities for local residents.