ar he maqazine of th, cen p&, AUTUMN Iggc CONTENTS
Realising the vision I 2 Directions n a public landscape rich with historical and social meaning, 3 What's On I management is not always a walk in the park. To nurture and protect 4 Landscape and such a precious cultural resource on Design Awards behalf of the commun~ty,requires Olympic Update skilled people and planning to cooperate as a unified whole. This edition of the Centennial Parkland's Magazine S Now and Then examines key ~nitiat~veswhich are helping the Trust achieve Park Perspectives our goals, including cultural expression, right of access, and living heritage. Preserving the integrity of the Parklands 6 Lachlan Swamp remains one of our top priorities. Nature Trail After hosting a string of high profile cultural events including I Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Cirque du Soleil, Moonlight Cinema Pond and Mardi Gras, we are consolidating a dynamic start to the 3 7 new year with some intensive planning for construction works during 2000 and the Centenary of Federation year 2001. The challenge for the Trust is to swiftly deliver these 8 Making More of large capital works programs along with a series of major Moore Park upcoming events scheduled as part of the 2000 Olympics. Celebrating and preserving the living heritage of our 1 0 Bright Sparks in surrounding Parks, the Centenary of Federation 2001 will the Parks serve as an important milestone for our Parklands' history. C It's an opportunity we cannot underestimate - and Trust staff share a clear vision to help protect our Parklands and 12 Escqpe and shape our futures. Explore Meeting tight deadlines, the Trust are enjoying the I challenges of the massive Moore Park restoration program ; 1 3 Filming in tLe i that has emerged from the recent Eastern Distributor ( roadworks. Parklands Receiving significant compensation for relinquishing a I hectare of highly degraded Moore Park land, the Trust has 14 A walk in the further committed a large amount of our own funds to help park with TV Vet re-beautify, restore and upgrade Moore Park. Katrina Warren After 130 years of unwavering public service it is exciting for us all to see Moore Park's new integrated cycleways, ~edestrianwalkways, landscaping and sports facilities 1 5 Centennial forging ahead. Parklands Dramatically improving the safety and efficiency of Restaurant public access to this Sydney sports landmark, the initiatives will further help people of all abilities and ages enjoy a I 6 Park Life diverse range of activities. Similarly, the recently opened Lachlan Swamp Nature Trail is assisting young school students and their families to gain a deeper understanding of our Parklands' flora and fauna. Working in harmony with elders and trainees from the Guriwal Aboriginal Corporation, the Trust has transformed the original spring which first fed Sydney's early colony, into a prime educational resource which now feeds generations of Cente.nn~al Parklands Magazrne IS publrshed quqfl young Australians with empathy and knowledge. the Centennral Park & Moore Park Trust The Centennial Park gr Moore Park Trust view 1999 as Locked Bag 15, Paddrngton, NSW 2021. the perfect time to take a firm hold of our community vision emall burgec@frrststatc corn au and long term objectives. Ed~torMark Thornley Desrgn Global Craph~cs Robin Grimwade Director Masthead Desrgn Chr~sCason Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust Photography Ian Lever and Karen Mark Th~sAutumn escape the routlne and explore the natural ~utumnwalks s ~alks and cultural splendour of peaceful Centennlal Parklands Jo~n the Rangers and horticultural staff for a var~etyof enterta~n~ng erhaps the season whlch best symbolises the Parklands' walks and talks cultural, scenlc and historical diversity, Autumn is a time Choose from a Tw~l~ghtHer~tage Walk by Lantern Llght, a of transition Where green canopies become gold and Spotlight Prowl, Centennlal Cycle Tour, a Wetland Walk on red gowns, r~dlngroyally on a cool breeze. the Wlld Side, or Ted's (now famous) Tree Walks wlth Senlor Palntrng the surrounds with rlch textures and subtle hues, Arbor~stTed Hoare the mild sunshlne grves rise to a relaxlng atmosphere perfect Book~ngsare essential Call 9339 6699 for detalls of the for lnqulsltlve vlsltors, glowing lovers and actlve famllles In Parklands' Escape Explore Autumn gu~dedwalks program search ot fun Frrends of the Parklands recelve discounts on all actlv~tles
COM
Sun Apr IS FOOTSTL., TO evenlng celebrating Autumn's arrlval IOam-I1 3Oam FEDERATION WLK with modern Italian foods and wines. Follow in the footsteps of the official Bookings Essential (02) 9360 3355, 'Federation of Australia' 9am -3pm daily Procession whtch took place in Centennial Park almost 100 years ago Sunday May 1 6 RSPCA MILLION PAWS WALK Bookings Essential (02) 9339 6699 Reg~stratlon8am Grab your favourite furry friend and Walk I Oam head down to Centennial Park for a Wed Apr 2 I HERITAGE WEEK SLIDE SHOW 6pm-7.30pm A unlque opportun~tyto view a great day of exercise, BBQ's, anlmal collect~onof historic sl~deswhlch aeroblcs and celebrity shows. It's a fun capture both the daily and historic family outlng and by partlclpat~ngyou events of Centenn~alPark. The dlverse will help the RSPCA care for the Images prov~dea Irvlng history of people 44,000 neglected cats and dogs ~t In parks over the last century. recelves annually in NSW alone Booklngs Essential (02) 9339 6699 Sun May 23 WETLANDS WANDER Fri Apr 23 TWILIGHT HERITAGE WALK I Oam- 1 I 3Oam Join the Rangers for a guided walk 5.45pm-7.30pm Rangers w~llgulde you on a twil~ght through the Parks' wetlands. lantern l~ghtwalk to vlslt some of the Bookings Essential (02) 9339 6699 hlstorlc features of the Parklands lnclud~ngthe herltage l~stedreservoirs and Federat~onPavlllon Book~ngs Sat May 29-30 PARKLANDS TENNIS Essent~al(02) 9339 6699 June 5-6 CHAMPIONSHIPS 9am-4pm Calling all tenn~sfans Dust off your Fri Apr 30 SPOTLIGHT PROWL raquets and serve for the tltle of Sat May 15 D~scoverwhat nature has to offer after Parklands Tenn~schamp Held over two 6.30pm-7.30pm dark1 Joln the rangers spotlighting consecutlve weekends, th~sfun possums, fly~ngfoxes and other creatTrrPG competltlon has a varlety of mens, of the nrght womens and m~xeddrvrs~ons ~nclud~ng Booklngs Essential (02) 9339 6699 several Age and Open events Members of the publtc are welcome so grab your Friday May 7 CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS entry forms qulckly to be In the runnlng 6.30pm-9pm RESTAURANT ITALIAN DINNER for some great prlzes Fr~endsof the Parklands and members of For bookings or more information the publlc arc muitedh@ -- please phone (02) 9662 7033
(.enlennlal Parklands /Autumn Edttron lsss 3 centennial park scoops
~andscaping ~esiqnand
Centennial Park was a big winner at the recent Australian Institute of
Landscape Architects (AILA) and
Landscape Contractors Association
(LCA) awards.
ur beloved Duck Pond Interpretation Maze was honoured with the top AILA 0award in the category for Design Rehabilitation and Infrastructure. The maze also received the top LCA award for the Rehabilitation and Conservation segment, stealing the thunder from some hot competition. Also taking a bow, the Centennial Park Cafe forecourt received the top LCA award for a Birds ofafeather - contractor's design. university students. the new Duck Pond Created to inform and visually stimulate the Servtng to develop a rapport with visitors, the interpretiw scu~ptures Parklands public, the Duck Pond Interpretative built elements projecting into the pond reinforce have proved pop@Srsr landscape has been created entirely from the fundamental connection between people and with visitors atld the recycled sandstone, gravel, steel and timbers. water local wridlifg Adopting four distinct themes: water source, Demanding some extremely difficult storm water pollution; ecological history; and construction techniques, the Centennial Park Cafe's practical management, the installation blends surrounding installations, water feature and stone signage, artworks and sculptures, many landscaped gardens were also the toast of the depicting native bird life. Situated near the prestigious architectural event Duck Pond, it is proving a big attraction in one The water feature in particular delivers of Centennial Park's most frequently used areas. wonderful vrsual and audio effects to accompany Dramatically improving the pond's degraded the curved inlaid walls and bronze handrails - all edge, the project has introduced further the result of Innovative combinations of diversity into the wetland system by providing construction materials. new fixtures for birds and other wildlife to use Public response to the projects has been in their daily routines. Parklands rangers have overwhelmingly positive and both are signiftcant also incorporated the structures into their assets to the overall aesthetic and recreational education programs for school children and atmosphere of Centennial Park. .
4 CCtnlennlal Parklands /Autumn Edition 19~9 lrtow and then - - - -1, ,
(;oiil$ to school in the JIC~~outdoors is ~lllllcl~sfun.
ver the past three months the Parklands have been buzzing with special events ;&.$y$" and they don't come much bigger than the Olympics! Let's ride! Two eras, two dress codes. A casu~fg Held solely within the confines of Centennial Park, the prestigious Oceania Championships Sunday pedal or a Ieg sapping sprint arawnd the time trials and road race will serve as the cycleways. Whatever your appiaach, it's the Olympic Road Cycle test event from December 14- 16 th~syear. fun: Emerging as one of the most challenging and exciting cycling events In history, the Olympic Road Cycling championships w~llbe held throughout the Parklands during September 25- 30, 2000. Negot~atingthe gruelling 234 kms (mens) and 126 kms (womens) 'city c~rcuit',participants will ride at speed for up to 5.5 hours before fin~shing at Driver Avenue via the Allsoh Rd Busway. Perhaps the event which most vlvidly captures the indtvidual competitive spirit of the Olympics, the Womens Marathon will get underway from North Sydney Oval an Sunday September 24, 2000. Concluding at Stadium Australia, Sydney Olympic Park, the Womens and Mens event (held to cwncide with the dosing ceremony), ~ncludeone circuit of Centehnial Park's Grand Drive with the race entering and exiting via the 'Showground" gates at Lang and Robertson Roads. The Paralymp~cMarathon is scheduled for Sunday October 29, 2009 and will include wheelchair, vision impaired and amputee athletes who will also follow the designated'8fymfifc course in their quest for personal gold. I spring which nce covering the entire Centennial Park area, fed Sydney's 0Lachlan Swamp formed a large part of the Botany early colonial catchment sustaining many indigenous communities centuries I water before white settlement. Each spring, Aboriginal people I the would gather at the swamps to collect eggs from the rich variety I 1800s is now 1 of birds while women would teach the children the art of "dilly bag" established as making and matt grass weaving. I A site of great ecological and one of the cultural significance, Lachlan Swamp supplied nearly two Trusfs prime million titres of water each day to Sydney's early colony via Busby's environmental , Bore, an underground aqueduct constructed by convict labour I education Erom 1827 to 1837. Bv 1887 the I bore, which once puAped water 1 resources to Hyde Park, was in disrepair with popotlution and drought, making it- obsolete. Ask& lay elders and trainees from the Cbwal Abrwigiual Corporation (fomnerly the La Ptmmsil! i4hAg3'plirI DeeEspment Corporadon), Parklands migers*kac&@mted the LackIan Swamp Nature Trail to campleamt $hre &Vdm& Trail which focuses ~m&&on stormwa~pollhkkn in the P&s ponds. Pmvi&ng an exdfrnt &atbnt overview of Centennial
171c Gwinwt Aboriginal dancers &rate tk new Lacbh~ Swamp Nutarre Trail site. knowledgea Park's native flora and fauna, the short boardwalk incorporating interpretive signs, winds gendy the- swampland; a freshwater creek and a papelbark IFC, inviting students to experience the natural and cultural featwes of the sttrrounding area. Having evolved into a key element of the t-e ',: ; and Expiare ranger-guided program, the Swamp Nature Trail is now used by school
- -? the cumiculum. Still a haven for man seen anywhx else in Sydney, the interpre explores biology, the environment, social science and histo a fascinating pmgmn for popk of all ages. The Tntst could not have developed and constructed the project I without the efforts of the Y;ul.iwd Aboriginal trainees who hdped plan and build the interpretive d.Following the success of the Lachias Swamp project, many of these minees have progressed to other interpretive areas though&the Parklands on a joint DEEnAICreeningAwtrda pmgram. Interestingly, Lachlan is believed to have hosted one of ' Australia's last @ic dwek in 1851. Apparently the first Premier of :, NSW, Sir Stuart hlb,&dhged Sir Thomas Mtch United we stand. Twst Director Robin Grimwadr sbures Mitchen mkOu plblic comments prior to the a proud moment of multicultural co-operation and Both men fired three shots, dl them missing, although a achievement. through the Premier's hm
6 Centennral Parklands /Autumn Editton 1999 he largest vrsual pollutant ot our delicate pond systcms, garbage 15 a Parklands enemy Waterborne solids such as comrncrcral, rndustrral and T dornestrc litter find their way into our ponds pr~martlyvia stormwater systems Threatening our precrous Parklands' waterwayr and wrldlrfe. I Centennial brklands rangen rubbish IS an unwanted vrs~tor,rts removal bringing rrnrncdiatc extremely happy with the pr- rogress aesthetic benetrrs tor rccrcauonal vrsitors and long term made by 4000 native improvements tor the l)arkland5' ecology I Currently most ot the I'arklands fingerlings- released inta taark's litter enters the ~ondsystems via the Musgrave culvert - an open pond system In November brick lined channel whrch drarns from the Waverley and Randwrck o~.ti~rrigpart of the Parkla residential areas. niillrtrn pond restoration p At the moment there 1s no Fhtrpcd the specially bred fi coflecrion system rn place so rcstorcs a halance to Centennial garbage freely moves Into the pond A cross sectloir dert~oirstrrrtrtrgthe waterway\ whlch have been inun system. Responding to thrs l~~orkrtrgsof the ('ottett~~lcrlPfrrklntzds' with env~ronmentali~destructive potentlalb damaging problem, The nPu7 Cross Pollutar~tTrrtfi (GPT) carp fist sought and were 5uccesstul in Introduced rhto the polnds attracting a Stormwater Trust 1(12(k,khc. Carp papulati Grant through the Envrrorirnental Protectton Authority (EPA) rapidly, el-6)ding much of Deskgned to provrde the most effecttve garbage capture (95%)of water Medcl Yacht Pond's ban borne pollutants down t,~)the srze of a matchstick), a world-tlrst Australran when they feed. More import invention called a Cross I'ollutant Trap (GPT)pronilses the hrst non blockrng, vclracrour t~shhave become a high pertormance pollutant separat~ondevice It also has the part~cular producer ol nutrients (a third o advantage of being vrsually unobtrusive system levels), whtch cause the Feeding off a I 3 I ha catchment area, the system works by deflectrng solid blue grccn algae particles out of the hlusgrave culvert flow and into a spec~allyengineered Wron.tanrpulat~ngthe pond ec starnless steel separation qcreen, By rsolatrng srlt, garbage and cjrganrc materral Parklands rangers have remove Hc~wrngdown the culvert, solrd pollutants are retained In a lower catchment Carp whrlc planting. native aqua sump or 'trap' and can be retarned even rf the culvert floods The trap can then These plants act as natural filters be easily emptred by a contract cleaner at the appropriate ttmc pnnds systern before the rangers Unlrke conventional grrll systems whrch are posrtroncd and trap rubbish as the ponds wrth the natrve Bass fi rt flows down the channel the Parklands' GPT 15 not subject to clogg~ng Employing a technique k wh~choften causes tloodlng, pirshrng much of the ruhbrsh over the top of the 'electro-lishing', a staggering trap and back Into the pond waterways tr~nncsrrl carp were removed As~detrom a clcancr pond 4ystem where garbage IS bc~rigcttectrvcly ponds during 1998, the largest removed, the ant1 pollution devrce's other nett benetrt IS that rt does not attect st Ikg wrth the average size o the flow of water through the pond system and wrll not cause upstream from 8kg tu 4kg over a six mon floodrng Thrh hnr, allowed the small Bass fi Constructed totally underground, the GPT wrll take erght weeks to bulld, to $irrvrve tn a less competitive wrth the project expected to he completed by func thrs year Tapping ~nto c.nvironment while also praviding Crntennral Park's exrstinp! hlusgrave Pond culvert vla a new wall, the hr-tech superb recycled Carp fertiliser for installation wrll drrect thc garbage into the 'trap' Parklands' f'lt~werbeds. Utilrsing th15 prolect as a case study, the Unrversrty ot NSW wrll canduct a The Trust will now turn its a 1-2 year monitorrng program to measure water qualrty and tlow rates By the Frnal 5tep In Stage 2 of the pIac~ngmonrtorrng equipment Into the devrcc the Trust wrll be able to Rcsloratlon Plan Preparing determine the eftectrvenesc, ot the new GPT to ensure we are capturrng whar hforc Shrtt and hlusgrave Ponds we want ta and that our ponds water qualrty IS ~mprovrd. ~*111SOCJR rcEcasc more native B ~akinqMore of Moore park
Mark Thoml~offers an dividends ensuring lcrr an, Saywell Kindergmen sites will also make way for qual~ty innedpdesman safety and Moore Perk West open puhdamas suitable for passive recreation. insight into the massive tmpdpublic transport to InrcccntynnMoarPuttwcrtcm~hasancLdtobe Accordin8 to Mr Nowland, by reducing the number of popular sporting venues such as used for pulting rather thn mrration and aa a dtthe playins pi* the Tiust will help ovncome vfcty and restoration project which has the Sydney Cricket Ground, parkland has become dcgmkd. With the commitment to this muu@emt ksm ksuncrramtcrcd in the p.There will now Football Stadium and the new Fox pmjcct, Moorc Put is to reclaim itr rightful pk k three cricket pithand fuu MI fields west of Anzac captured everyone's Studios Family Entertainment along& Gnrmnid Put a one d Sydney's rnat Precinct. Consistent with the pkmwpe and popular maeatid amrctionr. "Our fint worlrs are land rrrmntbn Park East imagination at Centennial Tmst's envimnmendly sensitive Maon the management approach, the bus and tree phntings along the Golf Unfoldingdmultamcusly with Moore station was consrmacd from a Came edge, the reinvigoration of Park Wdswllosal landscaping Park & Moore Perk Tnrst. variety of rroydcd materials forest olantinss on Mount Saele and Mdurr. there will also be oknw of including the timber bollards fmm the i&ation,f the bt MI LviGin M- park with demolished wharf structures and Playing Fields area," Paa said. d8lm b rightful PI- much of rhk worlr to be paving materials from nushed The fint batch of trees will be --by July. edkated to the people of EOIKX~C. available in May sa we hope to have d~gdd.C@nbnnkl P.rk Thef)ntnrpewillsceGegoly Sydney in 1867, Moan Park UndertAing an extensive them planted by June ud ~DVCthe plf Avenue ud hnhurAvenue Dhas @en I30 yean of public landnptng program to rcbeautify romplaod before raovinp onto om Of sy&.y's & mort to rawthr with ww - tree dawithout a rin8le facelift. The the parkland bawccn Anzac the next phase.' pedani.n lights, plantiny and spom mccu In the PatUmds' Parade and South Dowling Sncrt, Somofthe~~jorhgtmn quality aoncwd finirhiny The himhy, it has provided schools IMm park is a Syhrpab irrtit~tianhi the Tnst has begun to rcgr~&, components of the Moorr Park West playing fielb within the Moore Park and amatcur spom imtitutions - irrigate and dnmatially impm amhul inch& -tin@ the Hi Bus StrHon loop will no longer be tknllbr a lor nwt on o& including rullby, touch football, the flora qualtty dong the Park's School playing fields and Bat and MI used for urplrlrlng lmtud they will -rand ndet with an invaluable outlet for competition mtern border play~ngfields with plulity grass be lrndRlpd ud migated r quality and training. "We're all vcry exctted to be part of this prom beuw aofres and gender gndients more playing Hcldr, including a crick hprhing I18 bmof publk open space and it's a huge opportunity to give Moore Park a nl boost, 'said ruitabk for compctitlvc sport. pitch ud three football fields rintlted jus~faa kilometres ham the CBD,the community Peter Nowland, Co-ordinator of Gnrenntal Parklands Thcrell aIw be plenty of facilities nnilabk for the grrnl Still r cn*aac d playing fields and mrpark~ng,Moore haa enjoyed the R* for relaxation, recreation and the many Landscape Savices. public, as the Bat and B.n playing field, which was Idout Park East is also abject to plans to ranwe the old hay entertainment mnts it atmcts each year Tor many yem there's been the pnccption that Moore tn previous yun,will now keomc a hrc Ullage green' dong I)riva Avenue before camming it buk to Putlands. Bating an annual visitation of approximately 1.2 million Park is a carpark rather than a loved or wanted public space, where anyone can p and set up a game of cricket, football or 'Ihc s@dbnt Marr Park wmpcnation package has also people with m estimated incmsc of 7% per year, it's time to but now is our chance to bring it up to the standard of volleyball. mrMed ~ICGnmmiai Pa& a Moorc Polc Tm to relocate recognine Moorr Parkt rok in the community and give Gntcnnial Park," Peter said htlydcmolirhcd, the Rmcation Gnm and Fnnk the hiilyaruurcd adbuuHM ulricFounuin. 4ingback. Moving it fmn I)rim Avenw to a new formal pedestrian Assuminu man~mentmmnsibilities in - andcydcmtnnrr~P~atClcensRoad, 1990, the dntennl;~ Park a hioore Park Twt PI* wmt II it's an initiatiw long anticipated by rhe TIand 1-1 has suoxsfully rddrnrcd many issues rcoidcnts. ~noundlngMoore Park's land rchabtlitation and a "Ihc oubiic can dlo look fowud to tartcful sandstone puking, howcvrr the mxnt Eastern Distributor walk wl;id, will help &m Puldrnd borders and .-/d.- -..\ dmlopmtnt has pmvidtd a vital atalyct to give - re- hnit.gc items arh as the four AmParade theR*irifiretmajorovcrhaul inmarrntury. - enme dmwhid, naed to be cldup, repaid By rel)nquirhing approximately one hcnrm of and mimad,' Mr Nowland enthused. the Parks r4radcd land to the Eastern 0 Dlchibutor mdworlu, the Gntmntal Park a Moore R* Tm haw not only helped 4-, T)nBm.flt. 0 s m fuh re I a .- With incraino d dedfor anumv sports heldr inqwmdy, haw re- sipnifhnt rd wamdty ie0tathhdlftrcl, Moae Puk will rctarn compenrrrion m rehabilitate MOOR PWvs - - - i~~qiaWgrdcindr~heimchy,Inaddttion.thc playing fields, heritlp items and public killtier. mbnpwQYnh~rrwiIha~topportunityto FaUowing the omwhelming snwss of the -A ycleway~nlrancd- unkSwhk$UdQa~~wi~ Mom R* Bw Station, work haa commenced - conhstMdrir~dwmnandkmdiom. on Sap1 of the tnveMoore Park Whikdme donwxhs nuy uure some short rehabilitation project. tmn inmnvcnknar for ddcnts 4visitorr, thy form Aim& the ku statlon adroadway MOOSE D4RY UASTERD,AN part of a long term strategy to reliimffic congemion initiative (whkh rww off the existing Anzac adem Mm Pa& mi- a Park and not a carpark.. PI& bus rmdwey), ia payins communtty EVENTS I BRICjHT SPARKS IN
Saltimbanco - -he Cirque du Soleil specla1
the recent Sydney Festival, Clrque du Soleil's Solt~mbancobegan ~tsinnaugural AustralIan season from January 7. P~tching~ts majestic Grand Chapiteau b1g top oppostte Moore Park's Hordern Pavrlron and Royal Hall of Industries, not only d~dthe event become the focal polnt of the entlre Festival but it also created an exquisite landmark for Sydney commuters, particularly when the elaborate marquee was illuminated at nlght Derlvlng its name from the Italian word for 'street performer', Clrque du Solerl's So/trrnbanco united many of the world's best dancers, acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, 3 trapeze and mime artists in a mult~cultural spectacular. Defying the laws of grav~tyand anatomy. the circus production (which Included no animals), proved a hot t~cketas people were treated to a wonderfully choreographed blend of theatre, music, comedy and unique artistry. tiled by fash~onstyle discrples as "The c~ty'sbest new party location", Centennlal Square near the Flycast~ngPond, B recently hosted a beauty world flrst Surrounded by the sweet fragrances of the Parklands' flowers, international beauty nlogul Ralph 1.aurcn dched thc laws ot fashion launching his latest \cent christcncd Kon~r~)ltic,in Australla before Europe As celebr~t~esand cocktails flowed in and out of the bustl~ngmarquee perched on the banks of the I Flycasting Pond, a smitten romantlc couple rowed alluringly to and fro setting the atmosphere for a wondertul night
Summer ustral~a'spremler annual wheelchaw event, the Summer Down Down Under Road and Track Racing serles returned to ACentennlal Park In January th~syear. One of the world Under wheelchar clrcu~t'smost prestlglous events, the two part serles attracted over 80 athletes represent~ng12 countries Founded at Centenn~alPark durlng 1990, the 10th annual Oz Day International Wheelchair Race k~ckedoff the action throughout the Park and ES Marks Athlet~c F~eld,whlch served a5 the premler tralnlng venue for the serles. The forerunner to the Sydney 2000 Paralymplc Games, the Centenn~alPark 15 km Road Race held on January 3 1, showcased some of the world's el~tewheelchair road and track athlctes Conte5tlng a varlety of handlapped categories, the event format ensured spectators enjoyed some truly lnsplrlng performances. PARKS
ydney's premier international cultural event, this year's Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and (3 Party presented the Centennial Park & Moore Park Let the j Trust with some complex planning challenges. Q Given the huge amount of construction currently E being undertaken in the Moore Park precinct for the Eastern Distributor project, finalising an area for the huge variety of floats to gather and dismantle proved heels were burning and heads were turning as extremely difficult. 500 people aged from six to 60 let the good With the huge Mardi Cras party destined for Moore Park's Wtimes roll as part of Sydney's first outdoor roller- Ho~dernPavilion disco held in Centennial Square. and Royal Hall of Christened A Roll In Tk Park, the event gave beginners Industries, the and avid skaters an opportunity to move from Centennial location of Cirque Park's traditional recreational tracks and onto a fun, practise du Soleil also rink where they could blade in a safe, controlled provided a few environment. logistical Enjoying a variety of roller games, participants could obstacles as did also learn some tricks with a team of roller instructors, 1 the new event Bus while boogying to DJ classics like Nutbush City Limits dance and Xanadu. According to joint organiser Lucy Cornell, the event However after was inspired by a Fourth of July roller disco she attended in much consultation and hours of testing alternatives, a creative New York's Central Park. solution was found! Capturing a carnival spirit and carefree atmosphere, Bring in the army! Well, maybe just it's portable roadway - I event organisers are hoping to hold another Roll In The Park Terratrak. This protected the Parklands and provided a during winter and then in January 2000. temporary road that crossed the Kippax lake area to become a parade route. It also provided a fabulous viewing space for those in the Bobby Goldsmith stands and enabled the colourful parade to ince its 1997 debut summer season , Moonlight Cinema's cross over Anzac Parade and into Moore Park's South audiences have grown rapidly consolidating Centennial Dawling Street sector far dissembling. SPark Arnphitheatre as one of Australia's leading outdoor Lining either side of the Parade performers, thousands of film venues. Blessed with favourable weather, the 1998-99 season spectators helped cheer the floats through to a very exciting attracted record crowds, losing just five nights to bad weather. finale of another spectacular event. Blending Hollywood cult classics such as Saturday Night Feuer, North by Northwest and The Codfatba with contemporary box office heavyweights Pulp Fiction, Sliding Doom and Romeo and Juliet, this year's lineup catered for a broad range of viewing tastes. Kicking back with friends or family, there's not many better ways to spend a balmy Sydney summer night. Moonlight Cinema resumes in December this year. Tame n February 20 Centennial Park dri Te resonated to the sublime voice of 0one of the world's great sopranos - Kanawa Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Returning to Sydney for the first time in 15 years, the mesmeric Te Kanawa performed to a buzzing crowd of 15,000 people who took advantage of a perfect evening amidst the ambient Parklands surrounds. Joined by special guest, international baritone Jeffrey Black, and accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the outdoor concert was a rare opportunity to enjoy the diva's eclectic repertoire of classical opera, musicals and some favourite treasures from contemporary popular music.
SOI~IP\)IO~~IIC~IO~~S are bigger than otbers.
PrnF .: a No there hasn't been a major crime spree in the and the community from its use as a sought after filming location For example, the Totally Wlld program on Channel Ten Parklands, the only things that have been shot and regularly uses the Parklands' locat~onsto promote environmental messages. Student and other non-commercial groups also utilise captured are on film. it for them productions helping to re~nforceone of our key objectives - cultural expression. Although filmlng and photography is encouraged, the pcclacular and the Parklands diverse settings atmospheric, integrity of the Parklands as a public recreation space and flora arc In regular demand for f~lm~ngand photography. and fauna sanctuary is of prime importance before allowing Ucccnt shoots have attracted a wide range of media from shoots to proceed. All requests are reviewed carefully to ensure magazlllc ta5hion photography to TV product~onssuch as that the Parklands and its users are not adversely effected. Murde~Call and Water Rats. The Parklands have also hosted a One of the more bizarre requests from crews involved using varlety ot tclevlslon commercials and the occas~onalfeature fllm such as Babe an elephant and a smoke machine to simulate a South East Thc vcrsatillty of the Parklands varlous locations and AsIan forest for a spice range advertisement. Other high profile venues In such close proxtmlty to the C~ty15 the maln product~onsincluding Burke's Backyard, Harry's Practice and attraction for product~oncompanies the Money program have recently become regular park users. As~defrom the obvlous commercial value ot allow~ngfilm For more information on filming and photography in shoots, thc money generated is used to ma~ntainand improve the Centennial Parklands please contact Craig Van Dartel, Parkland4 In fact there are numerous benef~tsfor the Parklands Marketing Account Manager, on (02) 9339 662 1.
mdd FeeIlfiqklnda sporty Rktrcrrdarnr itucrtsd in the heart of Sydney, CentemW tomeetpaopbwc~agameorknreh~t3rs Parklands Sports Centre offers a huge exdknt BBQ facilities. Srange of equipment and activities in what Beginning on Saturday May 29 and running many consider to be the city's most relaxing to June 6, the annual Parklands Tennis recreational surrounds. Championships will be held over two Whether it's tennis, netball, basketball, consecutive weekends with play getting rolierbiading, rollerhockey or power walking, underway at 9am each day. This fun the Sports Centre facilities and historic competition has a variety of mens, womens Clubhouse (19301, are hard to beat for and mixed divisions including several Age and atmosphere and versatility. Open events, so why not take a shot at the Currently leased by former tennis legends title? John Newcombe (Australian Davis Cup Members of the public are welcome so captain) and Brad Drewett (former top 30 grab your entry forms quickly. For bookings or professional), the Sports Centre is the site of more information please phone the many tennis coaching clinics. Centennial Parklands Sports Centre on Enjoying regular visits from other sports (02) 9662 7033. wildTO
A walk in the parks with TV Vet Katrina 1 Warren. By Mark Thornley I 1
he's swum wlth dolph~ns,fluted w~thfunnel webs and stroked the back of Bengal Tigers, but glven Sher p~ckof the world's most exotlc anlmals, TV Vet Katrlna Warren would never trade her Border Collie, and best frlend, Toby Jogglng around her new home of Centennial Park, the glamorous half of Channel 7's Harry's Practlce 1s looklng forward to Autumn's leafy walks whlle masterminding a new llne of "funky" pet products Plucklng her now famous work colleague and buslness partner from a Border Collle l~tteron llve televlslon, Toby and Katrlna are ~t seems, Inseparable Worklng, playlng and travelling thelr way around I Australla, whether they're shootlng on locat~onor I attending whacky publlc appearances, the dynamlc duo have no shortage of fun. Comfortable wlth her arms In the v~ce-llkegr~p of a boa constr~ctor,~f Katrlna does d~slikean anlmal tt would have to be ferrets It's a case of tw~cebitten and even I more shy and desplte her breezy onscreen persona there have been instances The dynamic duo, Katrina and Toby are neverfarfrom the parks. where an~malsand events Yh48-PO@b8 i have strayed towards her l0tmonttA.n CL I former Channel 10TV accompany her, he seems to know well tn advance refusing to namesake and have turned ~nmndll~& give her kisses and high fives until she returns, Totally Wild Although he occasionally wears tuxedos, dryz&ones1 !and "It's the anlmals that Th.lm US hOVtO swimsuits, Katrina ~ns~stsToby is essentially like any other you least expect to hurt cam about dog - a loyal loving animal that wants nothing in retirn you, whrch are often the except her own love. . . a ones that do," says the mwmtftbg, 8boa Hi& "People aren't generally like that," ventures the former. former owner of Jill the James Ruse Agricultural High School student turned TV Jersey Cow and a tortolse I anddedb.alUW presenter and international model. called Pong anlrmb am%e rt@t "Pets teach people a tot more than unconditional love. . "I've been attacked by a They teach us how to care about something, about life an@ kangaroo, bltten by a ma-* death and that animals aren't a right but a responsibility." - possum and the other day From July 1 this year, all of NSW's pets will have to bc I had a loveblrd hanging llke a dart from my neck which was micro chipped to assist in a statewide identification program pretty painful," she laughs lronlcally which has proved a significant issue both for the public and Whlle Katrlna belleves humans are fascinating creatures, the authorities who have to locate the pets. But according to she tlnds anlmals absolutely lntrlgulng The fact that they Dr Warren there is a larger emerging issue concerning dog possess senses and communlcatlon we have faded to understand exercise areas. makes her even more determined to work them out She believes legislation changes are making it harder to For Instance she swears Toby knows when he's working to become a pet owner and in the process non pet owners are camera and when he's not and sometimes even what she's wielding a lot more power over domestic animals in public thlnklng When she travels ~nterstateor overseas and he can't spaces. A . 1 4 \P (hntenntul Parklands /Autumn Edltion fsss Fr~mKatrina's perspective convenient public parks with annmarl exerclse areas are vital for our country's pet owners. - - Thc 6act that these resources are diminishing and many people chase the wrong pet for their lifestyles, is creatlng problems. "The Centennial Parklands are a real saviour for Sydney's parklands inner ctty people. There's stacks of space and the best thing is the afY; the lead areas where people tend to congregate." ~es-tauran-t- "Dogs are very social creatures and if they don't get an oppactunrty ta rntx wmth other animals, breeds and people it soul food and settinp can cause behavrmral problems. If you take ywr pet to a park and amother dog approaches don't pull the lead back athing in a fresh Autumn sun, the trees rich with post suddenly as thrs wi4l set the dogs off. Just let them have a summer hues, it is hard to imagine a more ideal setting than good sn~tfiand rf your dog has a toy or ball, pick it up before B the Centennial Parklands Restaurant. the other doe arrive. Conceived some 70 years ago it has come a long way from The other great thing about walking the dog is that you the two small caravans originally serving tea and scones. are alh exerclslng yourself. It gives pet owners a chance to On the table opposite, Centennial Park regular Marcia Hines meet new people - I've met two boyfriends through my dog!" sips her ritualistic late morning juice while patrons refuel after their Jagg~nganid walkin,g wi>thher girlfriends who are partial daily exercise and enjoy the ambience of the newly landscaped sub to tlhw occas~onalpltstop at the Centennial Park Cafe, Katrina tropical surrounds. Like also spends a llot af time filming In the Parkland grounds for the atmosphere, the menu her pmme tlme show Harry's Practice. Like many television is light and fresh with jourmaUlsts she E~n~dsthe facilities extremely versatile for her 90% of the produce made work. to order on the premises. "!tk beautldul, scenic and spacious. You can get away from Representative of the to do a w~etshoot and there's always horses trotting past Park, the restaurant enjoys and heaps of interestimg wildlife to see. There's not many places a diverse mix of day an Sydney which oCfer that and when you do a lap of Centennial trippers and regulars. The Park, you feel kke you've had a really good workout. " patrons mirroring Sydney's CllmremtEy wntirrg a "practical guide to raise happy animals refreshing collision of whda also training thnto do a few tncks," Katrina is also ethnic style and vibrant conlitimplaring an ~nnovativeline of pet related products. Testing beach multiculturalism. them on her best mend Toby she is excited by the results and "It's a relaxed ramort . . Cooking up an Autumn storm. teels mnf~Cntthey WIN prove more practical than smof the in a relaxed setting so a 'g~mmwcks'he has been1 asked to trlal on Many's Practice. wide variety of people Peeling back her celehrty skln, it seems W,socral~s~lng and are attracted inside," says Centennial Parklands Restaurant success are the shallow end of Katrina's gene pool. Llke many Manager Peter Cross. people, without her dog "There's plenty of groups who come in after their daily walk I and a park, everyday life or run for an orange juice and breakfast. One couple even drive would lose a lot of meaning in everyday from the North Shore for a cappuccino and a latte. 'There's not a day I walk A lot of celebrities like Tony Locket will often pop in for out of my house without breakfast. Lady Jane Hardy is In every second day and we often someone telling me I have see Premier Bob Carr." a beautiful dog and that "One tradition we can't seem to break and wouldn't want to, makes me very happy," is fish and chips in a light beer batter. It's probably the most Katrina said. popular item on the lunch menu. At breakfast it's bacon and eggs "It gives me so much on sour dough toast with grilled tomatoes." pleasure just to see my dog "The special thing about Autumn here is that things tend, give other people pleasure. funnily enough, to become a lot warmer. The breezes start Like when we walk lnto a blowing, the trees begin to change colours and somehow the nursing home and the whole place seems to just mellow out." Boa ricbnstrktors and Bmgal tigers, whole place just goes Celebrating the arrival of Autumn with an Italian theme night Kanu~,has made some mticfriends crazy. Then again, I have on Friday May 7, the Centennial Parklands Restaurant invites hvi~gjher travels. to laugh at the way Toby Friends of the Park to experience another dimension of scams his way through life Centennial Park. Ekh time we go out to the Channel 7 offlces he plays Incorporating modern Italian food and wines, the special ale person off with another, getting a scratch here, a massage night time function forms part of a series of events to be held in ehem and demandimg cheesy games up and down the starrs." the restaurant every three months. A scrumptious contemporary Sr~mmghom a deep sleep on hls king size orthopaedic dog menu In th~sbeaut~ful settlng IS ava~lablewlth 2 courses - $30 bedl, Toby picks up hls leash and nuzzles ~t Into my hand. Fully and 3 courses - $37 Hope to see you there1 endwed By his own pet food sponsor, there rs a large brain The Centennial Parklands Restaurant is open seven days a bebl~lildhis l~onesqueeyes. After a hard days work it's off for a week. Breakfast is sewed from 8.30am- 1 I .OOam Monday to Friday walk follow~dby a gourmet snack and hk regular rpoormryr and 8.30am-I 1.30am on Saturday and Sundays. Lunch runs from coull,esy of the television network - What a dog of a life1 12.00pm-2.30pm with the restaurant closing at 3.00pm.