Lookout Reserve, Ferntree Gully - part 2

You may recall I have previously discussed this site but it was only very recently that I was able to visit it, once again with the redoubtable Victoria Kolankiewicz. As mentioned on that 25 February 2013 post (four years ago today!) that particular post is hands down the most popular spot on this blog, for reasons I can't fathom but am happy to take on board. A visit was surely appropriate.

 This is what was the intersection of Ladys Walk, Hilltop Crescent and Hillside Crescent.

This is the continuation of Hilltop Crescent south. Somewhere down there is the entrance to the Lookout Reserve which, of course no longer exists.

This is looking west along what might be Hillside Crescent. As you can see the place is pretty accessible but well-behaved and sensible people don't trespass.

This is looking east from the quarry at the base of the hill. I would not go so far as to say the Lookout Reserve was absolutely at the top of this peak but it was somewhere up there. As you can see from Google Maps there is no Lookout Reserve anymore and also there is a track within the prohibited area. 

The original flyer, which I have located yet again, says: 'The Vendor is dedicating to the Public the Look-out Reserve, in the centre of Hillside Estate, 700ft. above sea level, for use as a Recreation Reserve and Look Out. All the Blocks are high and command far reaching views.' As mentioned in the previous post, the 50 'Beautifully Situated and Wooded Blocks' were auctioned on Saturday 13 December 1913. 

Victoria has tracked the demise of the estate to the voracious Kerr's (then CSR) Quarry over time - some selected images:

One more thing that needs to be noted: the Camberwell and Hawthorn Advertiser of 28 August 1915 p. 7 mentions that surveyors Muntz and Muntz re-submitted the plan for what was described as 'G. Sweet's Hillside estate' because the earlier plan had not complied with Ferntree Gully council's drainage requirements. 

Patio Dwellings, Albertslund, Denmark

Like an idiot I have now forgotten the book I found this image in. I'll get those details sometime. In the meantime, enjoy (I am assuming these dwellings are here.)

Bentley Crescent Recreation Reserve, Hoppers Crossing, Vic

You can find this reserve here.

This is a short lane way to the south of the reserve which allows further pedestrian access. Classic 'walkability' design. 

Merrett Reserve, Hoppers Crossing Vic.

See it here. Few entry points, a slew of features including hopscotch, a lounge chair (!), a picnic table. If I had an inclination to study suburban internal reserve use this is the kind of place I'd go to.

Eagle Street Park, Werribee, Vic

It's here.

I don't quite 'get' the form or idea behind the Eagle Street Park, but the presence of these houses on the corner of the block suggests that it's at least 50 years old. But see below. 

This early (1966?) Melways map however gives an extra element to the story. It appears that Eagle Street and Raven Grove were once 'First' and 'Second' street. No inclusion of any linear/internal park space in the Melways however. In various forays into suburban subdivision however it is notable how many times the insanely, perversely unimaginative subdividers of Melbourne have sought to tag suburbs of the city with the names of its central business district streets (Burke, Collins, King... if you're unfamiliar). The one thing I would say in favour of this is that - slightly more sophisticatedly and 'insider'-ish than numbering First, Second etc - if such streets retained their sequential relation to each other, you can orient yourself from, say, Russell St Werribee to Bourke Street Werribee. Except Russell Street Melbourne runs perpendicular to Burke and Collins so, actually, you can't!

Nangiloc Reserve, Werribee, Vic

This space has no gateways into it from surrounding properties (if you're wondering why this is important - I see it as indicative of local stockholding and use). It's very visible from the streets surrounding it, and inclused three entires; three benches; playground equipment and a path. It's also heavily treed. Find it here.