Circa Park Playground, Como Parade, Clyde North
A beautifully landscaped area with some very special play areas which complement the history of the local area. The variety and range of vegetation which has been planted is amazing - it's like being in a small botanical garden.
The highlight is the Nardoo Rotunda Grotto shelter which has many beautifully detailed ceramics embedded into the surfaces of the structure. There are also beautiful iron work designs on the back of the seats in the park.
At the bottom of the park is a grassy area with football / rugby goal posts. Play equipment includes an extensive modern climbing frame, little slide on the side of a mound, birds nest swing and spinning carousel. On one side is a huge dry, rocky creek bed with some bridges. If you search around the rocks throughout the playground it is possible to find ceramic animals.
Even though the amount of play equipment is not large, the beautifully crafted environment is something that lifts the spirits of visitors.
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The following information is provided on information boards within the playground.
Inspired by W.R Guilfoyle, the designer of Melbourne's famous Botanical Gardens, today's local artisans and landscape designers have created a legacy of beautiful gardens, sculptures and outdoor 'playrooms' that will breathe life into Circa's heart for generations to come.
A generous 1-hectare space means that there is plenty of room for kids to run and play, and the innovative facilities and design make Circa Park perfect for spending time with family, entertaining friends, or just taking some time out and relaxing.
Located along Como Parade, near the entrance of the estate, the 1-hectare Circa Park's gardenesque approach helps create the modern interpretation of the botanical gardens and complements the adjacent historic homestead located at Circa.
Circa Park received the 'Highly Commended' award in the 'Innovative Design Elements' category at the 2014 Kidsafe National Playspace Awards. The award was presented for the unique "Grotto Play Shelter" installation crafted by Melbourne artists Honeyweather and Speight.
Set in landscaped gardens designed to look beautiful now and in the future, Circa Park also features the work of renowned artist and blacksmith Bent Metal as well as the Rain Gully, a Central Rotunda, and state-of-the-art children's play equipment.
The planting palette within the park features specimen trees and collections such as those favored by Guilfoyle in his work. With an Oak lawn and Fern gully, family picnics and adventures can take place right in your own backyard.
A beautifully landscaped area with some very special play areas. The variety and range of vegetation which has been planted is amazing - it's like being in a small botanical garden. The highlight is the Nardoo Rotunda Grotto shelter which has many beautifully detailed ceramics embedded into the surfaces of the structure. There are also beautiful iron work designs on the back of the seats in the park. At the bottom of the park is a grassy area with football / rugby goal posts. Play equipment includes an extensive modern climbing frame, little slide on the side of a mound, birds nest swing and spinning carousel. On one side is a huge dry, rocky creek bed with some bridges. If you search around the rocks throughout the playground it is possible to find ceramic animals. There is a water tap. This is playground that lifts the spirits of visitors.
The magnificent highlight of the play space is the 'Grotto-Shelter' which is inspired by the Victorian period of garden design used at the nearby Eyrecourt homestead. The nineteenth century was a popular time for follies and grottoes, as well as architectural details in the 'Arts & Crafts' style. Created by Melbourne artists Honeyweather & Speight, the grotto has been constructed from concrete and steel incorporating copper mesh, coloured glass and ceramic inlays. Children of all ages are invited to explore and discover the Indigenous animals that once abounded the area. These include wombats, tiger quolls, echidnas, dunnarts, bats, spotted quails, owls, snakes, turtles, bees, dragonflies, lizard and frogs, as well as fresh-water fish, mussels, yabbies and plenty of eels.
Another highlight is the 'Nardoo Rotunda' which is inspired by classical structures within great gardens. Mirroring a cluster of trees with their canopy hovering above, this group of sentinels stand together to offer protection from the elements. Created by Melbourne artists Bent Metal, the rotunda reflects the transparency of our native landscape and is a place for private contemplation, community gatherings and celebrations. The singular motif takes the form of nardoo, a native water and food plant, and has a variety of finishes applied to mimic the natural colours and hues of the plant. Intended to be a water collector, the shelter will allow rain water to drain through its canopy and be channelled down its 'stems', flowing out through the open, pebble-lined channel to the rain gulley.
The, historic Eyrecourt homestead at 211 Grices Road (across the road from the playground) is believed to have been constructed in 1886 for Richard Grice. The planting in the gardens surrounding the house was reputedly overseen by William Guilloyle, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, 1873-1909. The homestead is a large weatherboard, multi-gabled Victorian farm house with a surrounding verandah and a large look-out, or 'widows walk', built into the roof. The accompanying Coach House and mature gardens add to the significance of its hilltop setting. Inside, the homestead features a grand entrance hall with a large skylight ceiling that reportedly provides ventilation to the entire house in the summer. Further highlighting the sophistication of the design are many ornate features such as pierced timber borders, painted leadlight and hand carved decorative turned timber screens.
Location
20I Como Parade, Clyde North 3978 Map
