local parks

 the quality of parkland varies. there are some vacant blocks acquired by the council which are little more than derelict sites, mowed weeds and perhaps a swing. Other blocks have been developed as more focussed recreational areas with wide gravel paths, shaded (eventually) seating areas, some attractive artwork, mosaics are popular and metal sculptures. These are well maintained and well used by the locals.
Bicentennial Park is popular with both locals and visitors. These photos were taken in the early morning before the hoards of toddlers and preschoolers arrive. After school and at the weekend the park is packed with walkers, riders, skaters - there's a purpose built ramp - families picnicing and work and recreational groups. The landscaped areas and open parkland are planted with native species in groups or alone to create views across the wetlands and open land. Mounds, almost small hills, probably manmade, create more enclosed spaces. Gravel paths suitable for walks and bikes stretch many kilometers and link with school bike paths, the bridges across the Patterson, Kananook, lower Dandenong and Mordialloc rivers. Some remnant trees remain from previous plantings, wind break Pinus radiata, Casuarina spp. and Eucalyptus citridora. Landscaping is ongoing and the parks staff seem to be venturing beyond trees/grass/paddocks/wetlands and are planting path intersections and bends with interesting shrub. this planting style makes the groundplan look more natural as it seems as though the pathways meander to go around copses of trees. I have spotted Eucalyptus ficifolia, Red Flowering Gum and Eucalyptus mannifera, Red Spotted Gum and Australian frangipani, Hymenosorm flavum. I think also possibly Livistona australis, Australian Cabbage-tree Palm.

 The play areas are structured to appeal to different age brackets but all are visible from the seating areas around the park so parents can keep an eye on their variously aged children.

 Open areas give a feeling of space in an residential suburb.

This is the back of the golf course and the path down from the river which links the wetlands through to Mordialloc Creek.