THE CONNIE ANNE KEITH SENSORY GARDEN

The Connie Anne Keith Sensory Garden at Balcombe Heights Estate, NSW, is a fantastic addition to this historic 16-hectare site, which is owned by the Hills Shire Council. The estate has a rich history, originally established as the William Thompson Masonic School in 1922 to support children in need, later serving as a hospital during World War II. Today, it features sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas, and heritage buildings that host community groups and events.

This exciting project was initiated by Connie Keith and The Hills Shire S355 Volunteer Committee, supported by Mici Beer of Hills Community Aid and funded by the NSW Government through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. The Hills Shire Council generously donated the land and provided invaluable assistance throughout the project. The Sensory Garden offers areas for gathering, stimulation, and education, making it an engaging addition to the estate. Its design incorporates vibrant colours that symbolise key functions of the biological ecosystem:

• Yellow Energy Flow
• Blue The Water Cycle
• Red The Nutrient/Mineral Cycle
• Green Succession and Community Dynamics

The project was brought to life by the creative vision of Tig Designs, with construction led by The Gardenmakers and their sub-contractors. The garden’s plant supply was provided by Alpine Nurseries and Bidjiwong Community Nursery, while furniture was supplied by Astra Street Furniture, alongside some custom-built pieces. Additional contributions came from the Hills Men’s Shed and extensive community support, with numerous suppliers making vital contributions to the project’s success.

The Requirement

The Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Garden Project is an initiative funded by the NSW Government Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, aimed at transforming an underutilised grassy area within the Balcombe Heights Estate into an inclusive and engaging sensory garden. This space is designed to provide relaxation and passive recreation opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with autism or dementia.

The Challenges

• Durability Choosing materials that can withstand constant exposure to weather elements like sun, rain and temperature fluctuations, while maintaining their structural integrity and appearance.
• Low Maintenance Opting for furniture that requires minimal upkeep to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and efforts, especially in a public space.
• Sensory Considerations Selecting furniture that complements the sensory theme of the garden by incorporating textures, colours and designs that engage the senses without overwhelming users.
• Vandalism Resistance Selecting sturdy, tamper-proof designs that can deter vandalism and reduce the risk of damage in a public space.
• Community Suitability Ensuring the furniture appeals to a wide range of users, from children to elderly visitors, and aligns with the garden's intended purpose as an inclusive, multi-generational space.

The Solution 

After evaluating the challenges and requirements, the following products were selected for the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Garden project: Milan DDA Seats, Woodville Benches, Woodville 90 Degree Angled Bench, Venice Water Fountain - DDA Compliant with Bottle Filler and Outwood Senator Seat.

The Milan DDA Seats offers the following features:

• Vibrant Integration The customisable powder-coated finish allows the seat to complement the sensory garden’s interactive design, adding vibrant or calming colours that enhance the sensory experience.
• Ergonomic Comfort Designed with optimal seat height and optional armrests, it provides comfortable seating for extended periods, catering to elderly visitors and individuals with disabilities.
• Low Maintenance The use of durable, weather-resistant materials ensures the seat remains in excellent condition with minimal upkeep, making it ideal for public spaces.
• Safety-Oriented Design The robust and stable construction minimises risks, ensuring safety for users of all ages and abilities, which is critical in a multi-generational, public space.

The Woodville Benches offers the following features:

• Durable Construction The bench features a strong steel frame that has been zinc-plated for long-term rust protection and finished with Dulux Charcoal Powder coat, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.
• Customisable Aesthetics Available in various slat options - including Merbau Hardwood, Anodised Aluminium, Enviroslat Walnut and Wood Grain Aluminium in Western Red Cedar and Blonde Oak finishes - the bench can be tailored to complement the garden's sensory elements and thematic design.
• Inclusive Design The bench's simple and functional design provides a comfortable place to rest for all visitors, including good circulation space for those with mobility challenges, promoting inclusivity within the garden.
• Australian Made Proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in Australia, the bench supports local craftsmanship and adheres to high-quality standards.

The  Woodville 90 Degree Angled Bench offers the following features:

• Modular Design The 90° angled configuration allows for versatile arrangements, enabling the creation of circular or semi-circular seating areas that encourage social interaction and engagement within the garden.
• Inclusive Design The bench's simple and functional design provides comfortable seating for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges, promoting inclusivity within the garden.
• Durable Construction The bench features a strong steel frame that has been zinc-plated for long-term rust protection and finished with Dulux Charcoal Powder coat, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. 
• Customisable Aesthetics Available in various slat options, including Merbau Hardwood and Enviroslat Walnut, the bench can be tailored to complement the garden's sensory elements and thematic design.

The Venice Water Fountain - DDA Compliant with Bottle Filler offers the following features:

• Accessibility Compliance Designed to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards, the fountain ensures inclusivity for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
• Durable Construction Crafted from 316 Grade Stainless Steel, the fountain is completely rust-proof, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance in outdoor environments.
• Additional Features The fountain includes an optional water bottle filler and dog bowl, catering to a diverse range of visitors and promoting hydration for both people and pets.
• Inbuilt Water Pressure Regulator Tailors the water pressure at each individual location, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience in different locations.
• Australian Made Proudly designed and manufactured in Australia, the fountain supports local craftsmanship and adheres to high-quality standards, including Watermark approved fittings and Galvin Clear lead safe technology.

The Outwood Senator Seat offers the following features:

• High-Density, Extra-Thick Solid Timber Construction Provides exceptional durability and a robust structure, ensuring longevity in various outdoor settings.
• Rust-Free Stainless Steel Fittings Utilises corrosion-resistant materials to maintain structural integrity and appearance over time, even in harsh weather conditions.
• Available in Multiple Lengths Offers flexibility with three size options—1200mm, 1500mm, and 1800mm—to accommodate diverse spatial requirements and seating capacities.
• Raw Finish Supplied in a natural state, allowing for personal customisation through oiling or coating or enabling it to weather naturally.

CONNIE ANNE KEITH SENSORY GARDEN
LOCATION Balcombe Heights Estate, NSW
PRODUCTS Milan 1500mm DDA Seat - Aluminium Slats in Yellow, Blue, Red and Green, Milan 1800mm DDA Seat - Aluminium Slats in Blue, Red and Green, Woodville 1500mm Bench (In-Ground), Woodville 1800mm Bench (In-Ground), Woodville 90 Degree Angled Bench (In-Ground), Venice Water Fountain - DDA Compliant with Bottle Filler and Outwood Senator Seats
ARCHITECT Tig Crowley Designs
LANDSCAPER The Gardenmakers

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