South Australian Sites
THORNDON PARK
Landscape Architect: Oxigen
The Thorndon Park Reservoir was constructed between 1857 and 1862 and was the first storage reservoir for Adelaide’s water supply. The Reservoir was decommissioned in 1977 and dedicated as a recreational reserve.
In 2001 an irrigation pipe burst, flooding the outlet tunnel and undermining a section of the embankment. The reservoir was then drained to allow further investigation and subsequent repair works.
The empty reservoir basin, with its exposed layers of black silt, was an unattractive destination for the local community and the local wildlife.
Oxigen were engaged in 2002 to develop concept plans for the redevelopment of the site, and following community consultation and preliminary cost estimates, design and documentation for the redevelopment of the whole park.
The new park features a system of integrated lakes with systems for improving water quality and the creation of habitat areas for water birds.
Existing facilities were enhanced and improved with the addition of public performance spaces, new playground equipment, signage, improved access and pedestrian links and street furniture.
The original water levels have been lowered for public safety and a series of decks installed to allow interaction at the waters edge.
Over 15,000 new trees and shrubs were planted to revegetate the park and lake areas, with exotic and pest plant species removed and mulched on site for reuse within garden beds.
CONCEPT + INTENT
The concept designs provided alternative treatments for the lake system and surrounding environment whilst maintaining principles of ESD, equitable access, improved safety and increased community facilities.
The design centred on re-establishing interaction with the water and lake systems in a safe and enjoyable way. This was achieved through the inclusion of circular viewing decks along the promenade, creating pathways through and crossing over the lakes, cleaning and reuse of the ornamental pond, the creation of the ‘snakes’ water transfer chutes and restoration of the waterfall.
Two playgrounds originally existed on the site with one designated as the ‘disabled’ playground. The new design features a single inclusive play area with at grade access, rubberised softfall and new easily accessible play equipment to provide a central and equitable play experience for all users.
To complement existing amenities, additional park furniture including drinking fountains, picnic tables and bench seating have been located within the lawned BBQ area and surrounding path networks to provide areas of respite and views to the lake system.
A three tiered signage strategy has also been installed to provide information on the site and its features. The entry signage provide a location map and historical reservoir information; the directional signage indicates the locations of site features, and the educational signage form a ‘nature walk’ within the lake system featuring local fauna and flora.
Thorndon Park is now reinstated as a valued community asset and hosts many multicultural and community events. It also provides facilities for large groups of users and provides play space for active and passive recreation. Biodiversity has been increased through the use of local provenance plant species and wildlife corridors have been created integrating the nearby Blackhill Conservation Park and the River Torrens Linear Park.
SIGNIFICANCE
This project delivers an appropriate design response to a complex and multifunctional recreational area.
The issues of public safety and water quality have been successfully addressed through the use of the water recirculation system and the landscape treatment to the waters edge.
The brief was to design the recreational area as an enjoyable and functional area for all users.
Collaboration and consultation on this project was crucial due to the number of complex site issues and opportunities.
The project has been funded by the Department for Environment and Heritage and will be reimbursed through the sale of disused land parcels to the north and west of the site by the Land Management Corporation.
The Park has a long association with the people of Adelaide and is of significant historical value due to the contribution the reservoir made to life in the early development of South Australia. The Park is used extensively by families and community groups and provides a wide range of recreational and leisure pursuits.
The increase in biodiversity is achieved using over 50 local provenance plant species and the creation of habitat and nesting opportunities for wildlife. Central to the local ecosystem is the network of water bodies and the increase in water quality through filtration, aeration and movement.
ROLES
Department for Environment + Heritage - Client
City of Campbelltown - Primary Stakeholder
Oxigen - Primary Consultant
GHD - Civil and Hydrological Engineering
Rider Hunt - Cost Management
ADCIV - Civil Construction (Early Works Package)
McMahon Services - Civil Construction (Main Works Package)
Landscape Construction Services - Landscape Construction
Orbit Design – Graphic Design
PROJECT BUDGET $2,700,000
COMPLETION October 2004
