Monday, February 25, 2013

Lookout Reserve, Ferntree Gully, Vic

A quick look at the Google Map here reveals that in some strange universe this internal reserve - a very early example for Australia - still 'exists'. Then I suggest you switch to the satellite version: the story unfolds in these two images. The site is clearly visitable, however, which is something I intend at some point to try...



The above is a detail from 1913; below is from the Melbourne Age 1 August 1975 p. 19.

February, 2017 update: I note from my 'stats' that over 300 people have visited this post, though no-one has commented. Would love some insight into what the visit was in search of - ?

Friday, February 22, 2013

Duggan Reserve, Coburg Vic.

Saxil Tuxen lodged the design for this small estate featuring one internal reserve on 11 January 1920. 

Images of the reserve in January 2000:



Check here for Google maps. There are pictures of the reserve in 2014 here.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

East Keilor Sustainability Street Community Garden, Keilor, Vic

Read about it here and here. A google map is here. Also (Nov 2013 update) see 2002 images at the end of this post.

 A mosaic soon to be set down by the cubby house.







 North exit way.
 Looking south from northern end.













Nearby reserves are discussed here, here and here

Update Nov 2013: A couple of faded pictures of the reserve in August 2002 have come to light:




Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Anders Park ('Anders Triangle'), West Footscray, Vic

A remarkable recent success story in the renewal of an internal reserve space, Anders Park (known locally as Anders Triangle)* is a small space of indeterminable age that owes its existence to the industry of the builder Anders Hansen, a historical figure (see biographical signpost below including inadvertant  portraits of the investigators) who happens unfortunately to share a name with a prominent Danish tennis player, or something like that (i.e. he's not easy to track down on the internet). 

Our informant at this site, Nyree, tells us that the space was neglected and threatened with redevelopment by council until local residents campaigned for its protection and conservation. The space is frequently used by locals despite council regulations prohibiting the construction of any structures within it. There is a low-key attempt at some informal agriculture in the planting boxes; there is seating; there is also a limited opportunity for vehicle access for some homeowners. The space is prized and valued by locals and forms the focus of a closeknit community. 















*Nyree tells us that the council will not allow the designation 'Triangle' as it is not actually literally a triangle, though it really does look like one...


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Victoria Cross Reserve South, Macleod, Vic

In fact, this reserve is not signposted but the name seems logical. This space is essentially a playground space with, as our informant Nici points out, some random fruit trees. There is also a pathway running right through the space.  









Kabbera Central, Kelso, NSW

Look at it here.  Kelso is essentially a suburb adjoining the regional city of Bathurst but it has an identity greater than mere adjacent su...