Arcadia Landscape Architecture is working with the Campbelltown City Council as the lead consultant to develop a water recreation experience set to become a landmark attraction for Sydney-siders looking for new ways to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Centrally located on a four-hectare site at the corner of The Parkway and Moore-Oxley Bypass, the swimming precinct has been designed for everyone to enjoy. The Campbelltown Billabong Parklands will include a range of recreational water play facilities, including:
- Rockpools with streams, inspired by the rapids, waterfalls and rock pools of the Dharawal National Park
- Billabongs for children of all ages and adults to enjoy
- Splash pad water play area with a range of interactive water elements.
Seeking to create a series of experiences and memories, the design of the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands draws inspiration from nearby Dharawal National Park and Georges River and Campbelltown’s Indigenous culture.
A focus for the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is to promote healthy communities, with the design fostering play, learning, creativity, and social connection for the Campbelltown community. By creating diverse spaces with cross-generational appeal, the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands will provide a variety of settings for existing community events and future uses, including:
- water play
- areas for events
- expansive lawn areas
- buildings and pavilions with amenities
- picnic areas with seating and shade
- generous tree cover with engaging native plants.
The planting palette will use a botanical approach to celebrate nearby O’Hares Creek in Dharawal National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and significant cultural heritage. Palms, native and sculptural trees, with layered grasses and groundcovers will provide a naturalistic aesthetic. The unique geomorphology of the landscape and the rich heritage of the Dharawal people is enhanced by the landscape architecture of the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, creating a distinct and powerful connection to place and identity.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is an initiative of the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program and is funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Campbelltown City Council.
Landscape Architect: Arcadia Landscape Architecture
Architect: NBRS
Civil engineer: ATL
Electrical, lighting & mechanical: Webb
Irrigation: Hydroplan
Hydraulic: Goldfish and Bay
Fire: Core
DDA & BCA: McKenzie Group
Soil: SESL
Water Feature: SDC
Structural: JN Engineering
Early landscape concepts: Vee Design and Place Design Group along with architect WAM.
Image Credits: Arcadia Landscape Architecture
