Wadangarri Park

The approval of significant infrastructure projects and residential rezoning in St Leonards, resulted in planning for population growth with new commercial and high density residential projects. The St Leonards Strategy identified high quality open space, upgraded public areas and improved connectivity as priorities. In an suburb with limited available space and a significant increase in dwellings approved south of the Pacific Highway, a solution was needed to connect both sides of the highway with the train station, bus interchange, new retail, commercial and residential developments, as well as creating a town centre to enhance the local character and identity.

Wadanggari Park demonstrates how innovative thinking about existing assets, such as airspace over the railway line, can deliver open space that revitalises the St Leonards economy and community. Completed over live rail, adjacent to the Pacific Highway and bus-rail interchange and in proximity to commercial and residential properties, this highly complex project delivers 4750sqm public open space plus connections to support new residential and commercial communities moving into the suburb. Designed using a narrative based on the lifecycle of the Wadanggari (banksia), the resilient and responsive landscape reflects and enhances local character and identity while meeting demands of urban growth.

As growing numbers of people enter a suburb with restricted open space, this park offers a unique space for the community to gather. With a narrative based on the lifecycle of the Banksia, Wadanggari Park is designed for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging physical activity, connections and play, with the design allowing for expeditions in the lush gardens, playground adventures and easily accessible through-site routes to train, bus and future Metro station. Placemaking initiatives have resulted in 18-hour activation with exciting interpretive play adjacent to the retail / food and beverage precinct and an array of seating amenity.

In the playground, three towers have been designed to reflect the stages of growth of the Banksia flower, with each of the multi-level play spaces suiting a different age group; a pod climber for the pre-schoolers, a net tower for the primary school visitors and an art structure for teenagers and adults. Designed for use by all age groups, the steppers, infant pods, bridges, climbing nets, viewing decks, swings and slide elements were selected to suit the palette of the banksia. Lighting showcases the play design at night, highlighting the towers, underscoring the bridge and emphasising the facade texture and allowing play to continue throughout the evening meal time, further activating the space for an 18-hour economy. An array of seating is provided for parents and carers to watch children in the playground including vantage points for train enthusiasts to watch the railway line in use. Enclosed within the lush planting, seating nooks set within curving walkways and raised fern gardens adjacent to the playspace allow for a range of uses and user groups, making ideal meeting spots for workers, or for park, playground and retail visitors to meet to enjoy a moment in the sun or share a meal.