Located in the northern suburbs of Sydney the Ku-ring-gai area is renowned for its extensive tree cover and network of parks and open spaces. However, urban development is increasing population density and placing greater pressure on existing open spaces and recreation facilities. In response, Ku-ring-gai Council is increasing the recreation capacity of existing parks through the development of new facilities. A distinctive feature of these new recreation facilities is the diversity of play and recreation opportunities being provided to meet changing community needs and expectations.
The new Recreation Precinct within Turramurra Memorial Park is a good example of this trend. The Park is a one of the most significant in the region and incorporates playing fields, tennis courts, a children’s playground and extensive areas of lawn and trees. The War Memorial located in the north-west corner gives the Park its name.
Following extensive public consultation by Council a Landscape Master Plan was adopted that included the development of a new Recreation Precinct set within a grove of existing mature native trees.
Council’s Strategic Projects Team prepared a concept plan for the Recreation Precinct following further community consultation. Corkery Consulting was engaged by Council to undertake design development and documentation.
The agreed project objectives were to:
- Create a play area and gathering space for older children across a range of age groups;
- Work within the existing endangered ecological tree community and minimise the impacts on retained trees;
- Build on the existing visual character of Turramurra Memorial Park;
- Enable connections around the site to be developed while retaining major spaces and separate use areas; and
- Deliver the new facilities within budget and with minimal on-going maintenance requirements
The new recreation facilities include a basketball half-court, ping pong tables, flying fox, climbing net, hammocks, picnic shelter, new seating areas, play equipment and exercise station. A strong design theme throughout the Precinct is provided by the extensive use of sandstone blocks that are incorporated in the design. The sandstone blocks are used to address level changes, define spaces and provide informal seating as well as play opportunities for children. The shade provided by existing trees has been enhanced by additional tree planting.
A full set of construction drawings was prepared together with a NATSPEC specification for the works. To ensure effective budget control an estimate of probable cost and a Bill of Quantities were prepared by BDA engaged as sub-consultants to Corkery Consulting. Project Management of the construction works was carried out by the Ku-ring-gai Council Operations Open Space Projects Team.
The high level of usage since opening the new facilities clearly demonstrates that they have successfully met a significant community need and form a highly valued precinct within the broader context of Turramurra Memorial Park.
Turramurra Memorial Park Recreation Precinct | Sydney, Australia | Corkery Consulting
Location | Karuah Road, Turramurra, Sydney, Australia
Client name | Ku-ring-gai Council
Project Team |
Corkery Consulting – Lead consultant & Landscape architects
Ku-ring-gai Council – Concept design & Project managers
Cardno – Civil & Structural engineers
BDA – Quantity surveyors
Images & Text | Corkery Consulting
