Chelsworth Park

Chelsworth Park, comprising 22 acres of sporting facilities and including a stone-lined drainage channel, an avenue of oaks, orchard remnants and a billabong, is significant. The sports pavilion, designed by architect Graeme Gunn is also significant.

How is it significant?

Chelsworth Park is of local historical, social and scientific significance to to the City of Banyule. The sports pavilion is of architectural significance to the City of Banyule.

Why is it significant?

Chelsworth Park is of local historical significance as part of the original Chelsworth Estate dating back to the 1840s and developed from the 1930s for the increasing active recreational needs of the municipality.(Criterion A) Whilst predominantly a landscape that is now devoted to sports, it contains remnants of previous uses including bluestone drainage channel and an associated avenue of mature oaks.

It is of significance for its importance in the rise of conservation and environmental consciousness in the municipality from the 1950s. Environmental destruction within Chelsworth Park sparked the formation of the Ivanhoe River Parklands Protection League in 1955, with noted landscape designer and environmentalist Ellis Stones as its first president. A plaque to his memory has been placed in a rock garden inthe Park. (Criteria A, H).

This growing appreciation of the natural environment is also exemplified by the simple geometric timber sports pavilion in Chelsworth Park. Designed by prominent architect Graeme Gunn in the 1970s, the sports pavilion is significant and was recognized by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects with a citation award in 1976. Gunn was highly influential in the development of contemporary architecture in Melbourne in the late 1960s and 70s, and through his involvement with the Project Housing company Merchant Builders, developed building designs, such as the sports pavilion,which complemented the Australian landscape through their simple, functional design and use of natural materials. (Criterion E)

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Park or Garden Precinct