Pocket park wins big design award

A small playground in east Redfern has received a major accolade for its unique design and use of open space in a dense urban area. Chelsea Street Playground took top honours in the Parks and Open Space category of the 2016 Australian Institute for Landscape Architects NSW awards.

Including ideas from locals and students at nearby Bourke Street Public School, the 1,100sqm area brings together a children’s play area, barbeque facilities, flower and vegetable gardens, an entertaining area and a dog lawn.

City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said Chelsea Street Playground was a great example of excellent design and community input coming together to create a welcoming urban space.

“The City is working hard to provide well designed open spaces for the growing numbers of people living, studying and working in our area,” Ms Barone said. “Thanks to the creative ideas of local school children and the expertise of our design team, we have a park and playground that current and future generations will enjoy.

“In the dense urban area of east Redfern, Chelsea Street Playground provides valuable open space for local families, pet owners and residents seeking a bit of quiet in the healthy outdoors.”

Since the park opened in November 2015, local children have enjoyed the use of the new slide and swing set, climbing frame and cubby houses that mimic the neighbouring terrace houses.

The children’s playground is divided from the dog-friendly lawn by a timber picnic shelter, barbecue area and planter boxes. Bike racks and a water fountain are also included in the redeveloped park.

AILA NSW also awarded the City of Sydney the highest award of excellence in Parks and Open Space for the Sydney Park water re-use project. The award recognised the integration of landscape architecture with engineering, public art, ecology and play to deliver an open space that benefits the local stormwater system, while enhancing recreational areas.

The City of Sydney local government area has more than 400 parks, including 330 small parks and playgrounds. The City’s parks cover a total area of more than 188 hectares.