Rejuvenated Kalorama Park now accessible to community
The striking, site-responsive land artwork Regeneration - The Listening Place, can now be accessed in Kalorama Park.
The rejuvenated space is designed to integrate with the wider parkland, with the sculptural elements made of natural materials, designed pathways and revegetation with native species. This work is part of the wider ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk project.
The DDA compliant pathway makes this popular destination accessible to a wider range of community members and visitors. While fencing at the top of the site has been removed, the bottom half of the site remains fenced while the plantings are fully established.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that the Council is grateful to the many community members who helped influence this revitalised space, particularly members of Council's Disability Advisory Committee, the Friends of Kalorama Park group, and local businesses.
"In a region known for its beautiful but challenging natural environment, creating more accessible areas for more people to enjoy contributes to our vision for the Yarra Ranges to be an accessible, fair, and inclusive municipality, where people with a disability and their carers can participate in community life as equal citizens," Cr Higgins said.
"We're grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm so many community members have for this iconic site. We recognise that this is a significant change and believe this work will encourage a deeper interaction with this site. It's a place that has inspired so many artists and designers, including Willam Barak, Arthur Streeton, and Edna Walling, and continues to inspire today. You only have to look at the local businesses in Kalorama to see what a thriving, creative community this is," said Cr Higgins.
The work, by TARRMAC Studios and FOOKS Landscape Architecture, is described as Land Art, or "art that is made directly in the landscape, sculpting the land itself into earthworks or making structures in the landscape using natural materials." (Utah Museum of Fine Arts)
Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino MP said that ngurrak barring was an important investment into the community.
"This project is about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but inclusive and accessible for everyone. Regeneration - The Listening Place is a wonderful example of how art, nature, and community can come together to enrich our region. I'm proud to see investments like ngurrak barring making a real difference for locals and visitors alike, encouraging connection with both our environment and our cultural heritage," said Ms. De Martino.
ngurrak barring comprises 39kms of interconnected walking trails exploring the long and continuing inspiration that artists, designers, creatives, and activists have found in the Dandenong Ranges. 14kms of trails connecting villages through the Dandenong Ranges have been upgraded, and improved pedestrian crossings have been introduced at key sections along the trails. Nine permanent artworks have been installed, along with a series of signage telling further stories of the area's creative and cultural history. Works continue on the final elements of the project, with the official launch planned for April next year. The project is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, and Yarra Ranges Council.
