Lyneham Wetland, Canberra

A community park is a very desirable place in a neighborhood. Rapid developments especially in city centers have caused more and more buildings to be built causing less and less public open spaces. People depend on community parks as a place for retreat, exercise and recreation. The role of public community parks is becoming more important as people are more aware of their health status. 

The closest community park to where I live in Lyneham, Canberra is the Lyneham Wetland. This constructed wetland is relatively new. Only recently the sign describing features of this park was built. I consider myself lucky as i get to see the growth of this wetland for the next three years. 

This wetland carries 3 purpose-- as a wetland, as a park and it connects the cycling path throughout Canberra. Canberra has an excellent bicycle/footpath that connects several suburbs right to the city, and i use this path everyday to get to school. 

The main purpose of this wetland is to improve the quality of urban stormwater in the Sullivans Creek Catchment. It harvests the stormwater network at the inner north part and also captures runoff from surrounding suburbs. As designers, it is important to understand groundwater flow and identifying the best location to be turn into a stormwater catchment. Improper planning and poor analysis can result in inefficient design of water bodies and can further worsen a flashflood effect. I went for a stroll with my little man and captured some photos of the site.

[1] View of the (almost) the entire lake. The banks of the lake are connected by a bridge that overlooks the ducks swimming in it. There are several signs that says-- do not feed the birds. Feeding a wildlife animal can result it these animals being dependent at humans, making them lazy to find food for themselves.

[2] View of the bridge

[3] The bridge is wide enough for a wheelchair, making it accessible for everyone. I reckon the slope degree also to the benefit of wheelchair users.

[4] View from one of the bench located throughout the site. The developer uses plant species that resembles a real wetland. This can also help lessen maintenance cost as use of plants that need proper maintenance increases cost.

[5] Another view of the lake

[6] Information on the lake and features it has. 

[7] View of the wetland wall (flume), designed to divert high flows through the wetland and prevent build up of excess sediments and nutrients. There is even a sensor installed to detect oxygen levels. If it drops, it triggers a water mixer to begin re-circulating water in the wetland.

[8] The main drainage into the wetland, which may cause high flows into the wetland, thus having the wetland wall.

[9] Earlier in May 2014, there was a tree planting program, open for people living around this park. If only I knew there was such program, I would definitely join it.

[10] The bicycle path that leads to the city center.

[11] About 3 months ago, some workers modified the main drain that leads to this lake. I'm not sure what those two holes are for, so if you know what it is, please leave a comment :)

[12] One of the signage at this area. This one is located at the bridge, saying no cycling on the bridge.

[13] Signage indicating distance and direction for users.

[14] The path. With my son as the model ;)

[15] Of course, where there is a park, there is a playground.