A JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF THE TOWN

Solid as the rock formations that form them, these parks are a unique addition to a new neighbourhood.

When the late John Castle of Jana Group contacted Paige and Wes Fleming of the Fleming’s Group to design him a legacy park in the rolling green hills of Warragul, they knew it was going to be something very special.

Initial site inspections of the Crownlea development highlighted gorgeous fertile hills and sweeping vistas across the Warragul countryside, providing ample scope for the imagination. The site would include two parks located on prime land. To make the most of the area, Fleming’s Group worked closely with its landscape architects at FLOW Design Studio to harness the site’s natural topography and provide authentic experiences for all visitors.

The smaller of the two parks was the first to be designed. Constructed by Fleming’s Landscapes, it featured a playground that harnessed natural water runoff to create a wildly meandering playscape that sparks the imagination. Inspired by the concept of a quarry, FLOW Design Studio designed an inverted rock fortress, a wide range of natural play elements, a very cool cubby and playhouse, swings, slides, climbing elements, and even a bespoke hand-carved kitchenette.

Huge flat boulders, hauled in from the hills of Yea, were carefully placed to create a unique and interesting place for kids to scramble and climb. These elements naturally harness water and carry it down dry-creek beds and under bespoke-built recycled-timber bridges in a mimicry of a natural bushland environment.

The second, larger park sits atop the hills, overlooking the first park. It features tiers of rock pools cascading down the site to create three tiers of play zones that include waterplay elements, swings, slides and totem poles. More large boulders frame a basketball court, generating the ideal arena for spectators to sit and watch as users throw a few hoops, while a unique shelter offers the perfect spot for family and friends to gather and share a picnic.

Seeing how fertile and excellent the soil of the site was, Wes Fleming ensured the parks would be filled with magnificent mature trees. Huge Acer (maple) trees offer vibrant autumn foliage, natives will maintain a natural, evergreen look throughout the year, and avenues of flowering trees will herald the coming of spring, inviting birds and bees to enjoy the open space as much as any human.

Mature trees also feature as natural pergolas in the first park, with advanced ornamentals pleached into umbrellas to ensure natural shade over the picnic tables in summer.

The site is anything but usual. Already thousands of visitors have discovered the joy of these parks, which were constructed and open to the public long before a resident could reside in the neighbourhood — showing just how dedicated the Jana Group is to providing true assets for the community.

“Unfortunately, John wasn’t able to make it to see his legacy park enjoyed by kids, but what he set out to achieve has indeed come to fruition. We are just so proud to be a part of making that come true for his family,” says Paige Fleming.

“It wasn’t always easy getting everyone to envisage what Wes had in his mind for these parks, but we got there, and what our construction team where able to achieve in building these parks, was nothing short of phenomenal. Everyone from our design team to our apprentices put their hands to this project, working so hard to make it a truly special place."

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Jana Group
Location Warragul, Victoria
Landscape Architect FLOW Design Studio
Landscape Contractor Fleming’s Landscapes
Maintenance Contractor Fleming’s Landscapes
Plant Supply Fleming’s Nurseries