Commonwealth Park

Last updated

Commonwealth Park
Commonwealth Park.jpg
2012 Floriade in Commonwealth Park
Commonwealth Park
LocationCommonwealth Avenue, Parkes, Canberra
Coordinates 35°17′18″S149°8′3″E / 35.28833°S 149.13417°E / -35.28833; 149.13417
Area34.25 hectares
Established1964
Designer Sylvia Crowe
Owned by Australian Government
Managed by National Capital Authority
Open365 days
WaterNerang Pool
ParkingCar park on site
FacilitiesStage 88, Cafe, Restaurant, Exhibition Centre, Gardens, Toilets, Playground
Website https://www.nca.gov.au/attractions/commonwealth-park

Commonwealth Park is in Canberra, Australia, adjacent to the north side of Lake Burley Griffin. Centrally located in the city, it is an important part of the urban landscape. The park has an area of 34.25 hectares, which includes a variety of natural and constructed spaces.

Contents

Various designers have been involved in the construction of the park including Charles Weston, Lindsay Pryor, Richard Clough and John Grey. The park in it current form was strongly influenced by a master plan created by British landscape designer, Dame Sylvia Crowe in 1964.

The park has many small ponds and water features, walking trails, bike paths, sculptures and memorials. Located within the park is the outdoor Stage 88, which often holds concerts. The park includes Regatta Point and has a view of the National Gallery, High Court, and National Library on the other side of the lake. Kings Park is located adjacent to Commonwealth Park, along the lake to the east.

Commonwealth Park is the home of many events hosted in Canberra. Among them is Floriade, an annual event that has been running since 1988.

History of the location

In 1874, Ebenezer Booth built himself a house on the glebe of St John the Baptist Church, within the present boundaries of the park, to the east of what is now Nerang Pool. Murray's store, considered the area's first retail store, operated from the house. It burnt down in 1923. A number of stunted pines and English elms remain on the spot.

In his original plan for the city, Walter Griffin included a recreation area to the north of the man-made lake. His final plan of 1918 included an "aquarium pond", now Nerang Pool. Modifications from Griffin's plan of 1911 came about following his actual visit to the site and in order to reduce the amount of earthworks needed. The recreation area in the earlier plan was more formal and included many public buildings.

Works of Art in the Park

TitleArtistDateDescription
Play sculptureDavid TolleyCommissioned 1967, installed 1970 [1] Collection of 4 white sculptures each of which comprises two structures, located near the Children's Fort playground. The sculptures are constructed from precast concrete and finished with fibreglass. [1] The sculpture were designed to feel organic and inviting for people to play/sit on.

The sculptures were part of a larger 7-piece sculpture that was originally designed to be displayed together. [2] Another similar version of this artwork can be found in Weston Park. [3]

Untitled (also known as Earthworks)Hubert 'Bert' Flugelman Installed 1975 [1] Six polished aluminium tetrahedrons, buried permanently within Commonwealth Park in a secret location. The approximate location is noted with a plaque, close to Nerang Pool. It was added to the park during the Australia 75 Festival of Creative Arts and Sciences. Sculptures 75 was a part of this festival, and was held entirely within Commonwealth Park. [4]
Two figures Dame Barbara Hepworth Acquired 1969, installed 1976, relocated in 2023 to the National Exhibition Centre [1] Free standing bronze and enamel sculpture. [1] Numbered 4/7
Untitled (also known as Underpass Mural)Sue Birch-MarstonCompleted 1977 [1] Painted mural on concrete walls. Organised by the Arts Council of Australia ACT Division as a community arts project. [1] The mural was painted during the Sunday in the Park sessions that used to occur in Commonwealth Park. [5] The mural was designed using children's designs, which were incorporated into the large design. [6]
Untitled (also known as Amphitheatre Mural)Anne MorrisInstalled 1977 [1] Original mural was contributed to by students of the Canberra School of Art, in conjunction with Sunday in the Park activities. [7] The mural was created using enamel glass paint on a concrete wall. [1]

The second mural was installed in 1982, [1] and depicted "events in Australian history, Aborigines, Australian personalities and the environment". [8] This artwork was installed by the mural art group "Paintings on Walls", organised by Anne Morris

The mural was replaced again in 1987, led again by Anne Morris, but this time focusing on the activities of Amnesty International. [9] The art work was contributed to by members of Amnesty and art students, with the design being worked on by the Ginnidera Group of Amnesty International.

KangaroosJan BrownCommissioned in 1979, installed 1981 [1]
Dance of the SecateursBruce Radke1988
Resting Place of the Dragon FlyMary KayserExhibited 1989, [10] permanently located 2011Constructed out of painted steel, this sculpture won the 1989 Floriade Sculpture Project. It was exhibited in the floral festival, and acquired by the Queen Beatrix Sculpture Collection. In 2011, it went through a major refurbishment, and was then relocated next to Nerang Pool in Commonwealth Park. [10]
ZugzwangPhilip Spelman1990
Seated LadyHerman Johaus1990's
UntitledAlan Gauir1991A metal flock of birds which was one of the prize winning entries in the 1991 Floriade Sculpture competition.
Walter Burley Griffin TerrazzoDavid HumphriesCommissioned and installed 2000 [11] The Walter Burley Griffin Terrazzo is set in the pavement outside the entrance of the National Capital Exhibition, and is a mosaic of Walter Burley Griffin's 1912 prize-winning design, set out as a page torn from a book.The Terrazzo was a part of the 2000 redevelopment of the National Capital Exhibition, with the tiles being created in Melbourne and then carefully put together on site.
Sir Robert MenziesPeter ColleteCommissioned and installed 2012 [12] Bronze sculpture of Sir Robert Menzies. The sculpture was created over a 6-month period and is designed to be a 1.1 times life size. [13] Menzies was an influential part of the development of Canberra during his second term as Prime Minister (1949-1966), and vital to the eventual construction of Lake Burley Griffin. The sculpture is located on RG Mezies Walk which runs along the northern side of Lake Burley Griffin.

Memorials in the Park

Memorial nameDate of official opening or presentationDescription
Canadian Flagpole20 November 1957The flagpole was a gift to Australia from the Canadian Government and the Canadian timber industry. It was a single spar of Douglas Fir, 39 metres tall with three metres in the ground and 36 metres freestanding. When logged from a forest in British Columbia, it weighed 7.1 tonnes. The Canadian Flag was raised each year on Canada Day, 1 July. The flagpole was felled on 13 November 2020 due to safety concerns. [14]
Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet and Globe 25 April 1970The water jet and terrestrial globe were constructed to commemorate the bicentenary of Captain James Cook’s landing on the east coast of Australia in 1770. Queen Elizabeth II opened the Memorial and activated the fountain after arriving at the park on a barge from Government House. [15]

The Captain Cook Memorial Globe is an open-cage globe formed by the meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude, with land depicted in beaten bas-relief copper. Traced on the globe are the routes of Cook’s three voyages of exploration, with explanations of his ports of call inscribed on the surrounding handrail.

The jet can operate at a height of 147 metres.

The Memorial Globe and Jet were both designed by the architectural firm Bunning and Madden, which also designed the National Library and Parkes Place, located across the lake. Construction of the monument was undertaken by SABEMO. [16]

Memorial to pioneer women2 September 1972A large seat with views across the lake close to the site of the demolished bakery and store. It was designed by Margaret Hendry, a National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) landscape architect, in response to approaches in 1971 to the NCDC by the National Council of Women. The memorial was unveiled by Lady Hasluck, wife of the then Governor-General.
Sybil Howy Irving Memorial1979A timber arbor planted with wisteria, to commemorate a Colonel Irving's lifetime (1897—1973) of dedicated service to Girl Guides Association, Victorian Society For Crippled Children And Adults, Red Cross Society, Australian Women's Army Service, Women's Royal Australian Army Corps, Council On The Ageing. [17] Irving was the founder and controller of the Australian Women`s Army Service.
Lord Stanley Melbourne Bruce MemorialA bronze plaque mounted on concrete set in the eastern part of the park near the Spectator Shore, that commemorates the spreading of Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce's ashes in Lake Burley Griffin after he died in London in 1967. [18]
Citizenship Place Memorial26 January 2009A timeline of Australia’s citizenship story, the memorial commemorates the 60th anniversary of the first citizenship ceremony held in Canberra in 1949. The memorial was unveiled by the Governor-General Quentin Bryce on Australia Day 26 January 2009 in the presence of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canberra</span> Capital city of Australia

Canberra is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest Australian city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory at the northern tip of the Australian Alps, the country's highest mountain range. As of June 2023, Canberra's estimated population was 466,566.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walter Burley Griffin</span> American architect and landscape architect (1876–1937)

Walter Burley Griffin was an American architect and landscape architect. He designed Canberra, Australia's capital city, the New South Wales towns of Griffith and Leeton, and the Sydney suburb of Castlecrag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Burley Griffin</span> Man-made lake in Canberra, Australia

Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake in the centre of Canberra, the capital of Australia. It was completed in 1963 after the Molonglo River, which ran between the city centre and Parliamentary Triangle, was dammed. It is named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design the city of Canberra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Molonglo River</span> River in Australia

The Molonglo River is a perennial river that is part of the Murrumbidgee catchment within the Murray–Darling basin. It is located in the Monaro and Capital Country regions of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Civic, Australian Capital Territory</span> Suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Civic is the city centre or central business district of Canberra. "Civic" is a common name for the district, but it is also called Civic Centre, City Centre, Canberra City and Canberra, and its official division name is City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory</span> Suburb of Canberra, Australia

Yarralumla is a large inner south suburb of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Located approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south-west of the city, Yarralumla extends along the south-west bank of Lake Burley Griffin from Scrivener Dam to Commonwealth Avenue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barton, Australian Capital Territory</span> Suburb of Canberra, Australia

Barton is a suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. At the 2021 census, Barton had a population of 1,946 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Carillon</span> Bell instrument in Canberra, Australia

The National Carillon is a large carillon situated on Queen Elizabeth II Island in Lake Burley Griffin, central Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. The carillon is managed and maintained by the National Capital Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia. It has 57 bells, ranging nearly 5 octaves from the 6,108 kg (13,466 lb) bass bell in F# to the 8 kg (18 lb) treble bell in D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marion Mahony Griffin</span> American architect and artist (1871–1961)

Marion Mahony Griffin was an American architect and artist. She was one of the first licensed female architects in the world, and is considered an original member of the Prairie School. Her work in the United States developed and expanded the American Prairie School, and her work in India and Australia reflected Prairie School ideals of indigenous landscape and materials in the newly formed democracies. The scholar Debora Wood stated that Griffin "did the drawings people think of when they think of Frank Lloyd Wright ." According to architecture critic, Reyner Banham, Griffin was "America’s first woman architect who needed no apology in a world of men."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yarralumla brickworks</span> One of the earliest construction projects in Canberra, Australia

The Yarralumla brickworks, also known as the Commonwealth Brickworks, was one of the earliest construction projects in Canberra, Australia. It was built in the suburb of Yarralumla to produce the bricks used to build many of Canberra's early buildings. It opened in around 1913 and operated until its closure in 1976. It is known for producing the bricks used to build itself. Narrow gauge goods railway lines for the transportation of bricks linked Yarralumla to some of the major building sites in central Canberra such as Old Parliament House, and the Kingston Power House. No sign of this early Canberra transport system remains today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canberra Golf Club</span>

The Canberra Golf Club, later known as the Royal Canberra Golf Club, was formed in 1926. Its original grounds were behind the Hotel Canberra on the river flats on both sides of the Molonglo River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albert Hall, Canberra</span>

The Albert Hall is a hall in Canberra, Australia, used for entertainment. It is on Commonwealth Avenue between Commonwealth Bridge and the Hotel Canberra in the suburb of Yarralumla.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra</span>

The National Triangle, which is referred to as the Parliamentary Triangle, is the ceremonial precinct of Canberra, containing some of Australia's most significant buildings. The National Triangle is formed by Commonwealth, Kings and Constitution Avenues. Buildings within the National Triangle have been located and designed intentionally for visual effect, and those of national significance are popular tourist attractions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Floriade (Canberra)</span> Annual spring flower show in Canberra, Australia

Floriade is a flower and entertainment festival held annually in Canberra's Commonwealth Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. It features extensive displays of flowering bulbs with integrated sculptures and other artistic features. Floriade comes from the Latin word floriat, which means to design with flowers.

The history of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as a separate administrative division began in 1911, when it was transferred from New South Wales to the Australian federal government. The territory contains Australia's capital city Canberra and various smaller settlements. Until 1989, it also administered the Jervis Bay Territory, a small coastal region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canberra railway station</span> Railway station in Canberra, Australia

Canberra railway station is located on the NSW TrainLink Regional Southern Line in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. It is located in the Canberra suburb of Kingston.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Holford, Baron Holford</span> British architect and town planner (1907–1975)

William Graham Holford, Baron Holford, was a British architect and town planner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Light rail in Canberra</span> Light rail network in Canberra, Australia

The Canberra light rail network, also known as Canberra Metro, is a light rail system serving the city of Canberra, Australia. The initial 12-kilometre (7.5 mi) line links the northern town centre of Gungahlin to the city centre (Civic) and has 14 stops. Services commenced on 20 April 2019. The 14th stop at Sandford Street in Mitchell commenced operation in September 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commonwealth Avenue Bridge</span> Two parallel bridges that cross Lake Burley Griffin between Parkes and City in Canberra, Australia

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge are two parallel pre-stressed concrete box girder road bridges that carry Commonwealth Avenue across Lake Burley Griffin, and connect Parkes and City in Canberra, Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Gorton Building</span> Commercial office in Australian Capital Territory, Australia

The John Gorton Building, also referred to as the Gorton Building and formerly the Administrative Building, is a heritage listed government office located within the Parliamentary Triangle in Canberra, Australia. The office building is the administrative headquarters of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Works of Art in Canberra. National Capital Development Commission. 1981. p. 55. ISBN   0-642-89892-8.
  2. ↑ Tolley, David (7 December 2011). "1970 Canberra Play-Sculpture Sculpture". david tolley. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  3. ↑ "Weston Park - Conservation Management Plan - Appendix C" (PDF). Environment ACT. ACT Government - Department of Territory and Municipal Services.
  4. ↑ Government, A. C. T. (1 February 2016). "Previous find of the month". www.archives.act.gov.au. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  5. ↑ "Project in tunnel". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 10 February 1977. p. 7. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  6. ↑ "SUNDAY IN PARK Painting the tunnel main attraction". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 12 February 1977. p. 7. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  7. ↑ "Healing in the park". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 18 February 1977. p. 3. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  8. ↑ "Local artists beaten by bureaucracy". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 20 November 1982. p. 2. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  9. ↑ "Amnesty mural in park". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). 10 December 1987. p. 11. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  10. 1 2 Directorate, ACT Government;; PositionTitle=Director; SectionName=artsACT; Corporate=Community Services (29 November 2018). "Resting Place of the Dragonfly". www.arts.act.gov.au. Retrieved 23 January 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ "1C". www.publicartsquad.com.au. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  12. ↑ Directorate, ACT Government;; PositionTitle=Director; SectionName=artsACT; Corporate=Community Services (29 November 2018). "Sir Robert Menzies". www.arts.act.gov.au. Retrieved 23 January 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ↑ Doherty, Megan (23 March 2012). "Permanent place for Menzies in nation's heart". Canberra Times. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  14. ↑ Bladen, Lucy (13 November 2020). "'The end of an era': Regatta Point landmark removed after 60 years". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  15. ↑ "1970 Royal Visit program, Royal Visit to Australia by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh: 30 March – 3 May 1970". Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  16. ↑ "Building Australia, Chapter 6". Transfield. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  17. ↑ "Colonel Sybil Howy Irving". Monument Australia. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  18. ↑ "Lord Stanley Melbourne Bruce". Monument Australia. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  19. ↑ "Citizenship Place". Monument Australia. Retrieved 5 February 2024.

Further reading

Gray, John (1996). A Park for a Nation: The story of Commonwealth Park in Australia's National Capital. Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation (ACT Region). ISBN   0-908464-59-2.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Commonwealth Park at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.