A new park has opened in one of Sydney's busiest neighbourhoods, creating a relaxing green oasis that pays homage to the area's past.
The Drying Green in Zetland features:
- a folding origami-like grass lawn
- a tiered wetland water feature that collects and filters stormwater
- a barbecue area under a shade structure with solar panels
- a geometric artwork of coloured glass pathways embedded in the ground
- sloping, landscaped surfaces
- an amenities building with green roof.
The Drying Green has been created by design lead McGregor Coxall and CHROFI architects with the City of Sydney and built by Regal Innovations.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new open space in the Green Square town centre will become a backyard for the many people living in nearby apartments.
"We've created an inner-city chillout zone where friends and families can meet for a barbecue or picnic, or simply sprawl out and relax," the Lord Mayor said.
"It's so exciting to witness the transformation of this area and I'm thrilled to be adding another quality community space to the growing Green Square neighbourhood.
"Our investment in community facilities, parks and open spaces will ensure Green Square lives up to its potential as a wonderful new urban village."
The name of the park - The Drying Green - is a nod to the site's industrial past. Wool washing was one of the first industries in Green Square and fleeces were spread across grass in the area to dry.
The park features a highly integrated artwork by artist Kerrie Poliness.
Stream was inspired by the site's relationship to water, acknowledging the waterway that once flowed through the area. Once a wetland, then a dam, wetlands are again part of the new park's design.
Embedded in lawns, paving and oversized steps and in two separate areas of the park, the colourful intersecting, asymmetric diamonds light up at night creating a magical experience for young and old.
The artwork also references physical and conceptual pathways and connections. It aims to evoke the flow of knowledge, ideas, stories and interlinked layers of history.
Stream was developed with the park's landscape architect Adrian McGregor and curator of the City of Sydney's Green Square public art program Amanda Sharrad.
The City of Sydney has invested heavily in community facilities in the area.
An aquatic and recreation centre, sportsfield, library, plaza, early learning centre, creative centre, community shed and public artworks are all in walking distance to The Drying Green.
Across the road from the park, construction will soon be underway on Green Square Public School and community spaces.
Green Square is set to become one of the most densely populated precincts in Australia, accommodating close to 61,000 people by 2030.
The 6,200 square metre park is bound by Portman Street, Geddes Avenue, Paul Street and Zetland Avenue.
The park will be officially opened at a community event on Saturday 15 October. Visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/the-drying-green-launch
