In 1986 Bruce McKenzie & Associates (BMA) played a key role in the design and development of a new foreshore park in Botany Bay. Monumental in its scale and complexity, the result was a reconstructed foreshore ecosystem built on dredged material from Botany Bay. The park was named Sir Joseph Banks Reserve.
We recognise the pioneering legacy that Bruce McKenzie left the landscape architecture profession in Australia: responding to the site and context-its geology and form; use of indigenous plants that form the unique character of place – all notions that are embedded in our design process now, but were once overlooked or were the basis of controversy.
In 2020, Jeavons Landscape Architects were engaged to work on further landscape developments to Sir Joseph Banks Reserve. These included additional indigenous planting to link existing play and recreation facilities, design of a new, accessible play space and picnic areas and the planting design for a dune ecosystem that includes paths to a lookout and gathering place.
Sandstone performs the multiple task of structural reinforcement and a substrate for play throughout. Plant species were chosen to recreate an ecological facsimile of original plant communities – representative of foreshore to forest ecologies and includes many species that are important medicinal and food sources for the Gadigal/Bidjigal people.
In collaboration with Fleetwood Urban, a large play structure in the form of a Hercules Club Mud Whelk (a marine snail common to tidal mudflats) is a focal point for the playspace. A range of play opportunities and sensory pieces are interwoven around the Whelk – from challenging and risky elements to accessible and small-scale elements for younger children.
Much community consultation was conducted in the process, including feedback from local children. The result of this collaboration is a wonderful space with quiet and active play areas for families and children of all ages and abilities to enjoy for many years.
The playground was opened by Hon Anthony Roberts MP and Bayside Council Mayor, and Dr Christina Curry and well attended.
