lathlain precinct community parkland 

REALMstudios were commissioned by the Town of Victoria Park to develop concepts and a schematic design for two new community parks co-located on the former Carlisle Bowls Club site and adjacent to the new West Coast Eagles Training facility - both sites forming a connective public landscape as part of the Lathlain Precinct Project. The project was steered by close community involvement via a Community Reference Group that involved a Participatory Budgeting process to determine not only wants & needs but also the prioritisation of available funds.

Working with TPG’s consultation team REALMstudios developed an innovative design response that the community feel they own. As Sue (active member of the local community states): 

“Meeting the needs of the community requires much thought and consideration to ensure the design is inclusive of everybody whether it be seniors, parents with children, young people and people with disability to name just a few. The resulting community spaces reflect this and the design ensures everyone has the opportunity to be included and participate.  Inclusive design is not an afterthought, rather it ensures all people are catered for now and into the future.  This is what the design work on Lathlain Park and Tom Wright has achieved – a welcoming space with accompanying landscaping that is representative of the local plant species.”

The design is a response to community values and desires for:

• Historic references – celebrating the former bowling club use;

• Ecological functionality – a native and botanically rich parkland providing habitat for Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo;

• Innovative stormwater management – providing access to a reconfigured & formerly fenced sump;

• Community access and functionality; BBQ facilities, Shelters,

• Multi-use courts, Toilets and Play area;

• Canopy and shade – areas of respite and nurture;

• Equity in provision of amenities (on and beyond the site);

• A major universal access and ‘nature’ play ground;

• Safety and security – lighting and good sight lines.

The award-winning green space has resulted in provision of ecological & recreational services, behaving as a catalyst for urban consolidation and growth, socially, ecologically and economically. 
 

We acknowledge Urbis for their role in documentation.