Revitalising Harbord Park
Nick Richterm Alison Murray, Melissa Palermo, Susan Tickle, Heather Lawson

PRESERVING NATURAL FEATURES AND PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FOR AN INCLUSIVE DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Harbord Park is currently a large expanse of underutilized playing fields and grass. We propose transforming it with the following recreational facilities:

– Children’s playground
– Outdoor gym
– Level kids’ learner cycleway/walking track for elderly or disabled
– Mid-sized basketball court
– Tiered amphitheater seating
– Shaded seating
– BBQs

The park will become a multi-use green space and extended ‘home’ for many families and individuals living in the nearby medium density apartments. It will provide spaces that will encourage a diverse range of user groups and ages. The plan showcases a welcoming space that enhances wellbeing through social interaction and will reduce crime through more active and passive uses of the park.

Recently access to the local school was lost when it was fenced due to repeated vandalism. For many local individuals and families, the school space had been used after hours for playing basketball, teaching children how to ride a bike, and enjoying the playground equipment.

It will transform a nondescript space from boring to booming: an inviting, beautiful hub to meet up, play, exercise, and have fun.

These enormous benefits will transform the park from a singular benefit to participants in organized weekends and weeknight training to an inclusive, attractive space the whole community will use all week.