Recent visit to Memory Park at Hazelbrook provided a stark reminder that landscapes need time to establish and fulfil the designer’s vision
Completed in 2014 the reconstruction of Memory Park had a chequered history. During the upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Woodford and Hazelbrook the park was closed to the public and used for storage a construction material. Temporary loss of the park was significantly extended when the highway upgrade contractor went in to liquidation. Local residents were understandably anxious to ensure that Memory Park was completed as soon as possible and made a positive contribution to the open space opportunities in the village. Consultation with the local community and Blur Mountains City Council was responded through the design and documentation process.
Positive feedback received by Council since the park was re-opened confirms that the expectations of the local community have been successfully met.
During a recent visit to the park we were very pleased to see the landscape maturing with new trees starting to define spaces throughout the park and reinforce the enjoyment of moving through the park or stopping to enjoy the new landscape setting. The connected system of terraces, ramps and stairs designed to deal with the strongly sloping site provide a diverse range of view opportunities. In addition the pedestrian ramp connected to a new pedestrian bridge over the highway provides an unusual perspective of the park.
The photographs provide a good illustration of the diverse views through the park as well as from the pedestrian ramp and bridge.
