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MOSSVALE PARK
Other Names- , Mossvale Nursery LocationMOSSVALE ROAD, BERRYS CREEK, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelIncluded in Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
Mossvale Park, including the original plantings by Francis Moss and later plantings and buildings established following the establishment of the Park in 1946, at Mossvale Road, Berry's Creek. The most notable elements of the Park are the mature native and exotic trees. The native trees are remnants of the original bushland and include examples of Strzelecki Gums, which are endemic to the Strzelecki Ranges and have been identified as endangered at a National Level. Among the many fine examples of exotic trees are five that have been included on the Register of Significant Trees compiled by the National Trust as outstanding examples of their species. They are:
- Algerian Oak (Quercus canariensis)
- Chesnut Leafed Oak (Quercus castaneifolia)
- London Plane (Platanus x acerifolia)
- Oriental Plane (Platanus orientalis)
- Variegated Elm (Ulmus minor 'variegata')
Amenity buildings in the park include:
- a postwar toilet block of typical design, which is constructed of clinker bricks. Notable features include the curved walls that encompass the entrances to each convenience, and the skillion roof with its expressed timber beams. In aesthetic terms, these simple features raise it a little above the ordinary when compared to the usual standard of public conveniences.
- a postwar picnic shelter, which is a rectangular gabled pavilion in rustic vernacular style constructed of concrete block with a corrugated iron roof. It is open sided with low walls on three sides, and a fireplace at one end.
- a sound shell, situated near the centre of the park.
Remnants of the timber bridge across the Tarwin River that led to the nursery can still be seen on the banks to the south of the Picnic Shelter. This aligns with a row of elms on private property on the opposite side of the river that once lined the driveway leading to the nursery.
How is it significant?
Mossvale Park is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, Mossvale Park is important as an example of 19th century landscaping that demonstrates how European settlement and development of this area sought to radically modify the natural and cultural landscape. It is also notable for its development as an important regional park in the post war period and for its associations with Francis Moss and the former Mossvale Nursery. (AHC criteria - A.4, B.2, C.2, D.2, and H.1)
Aesthetically, Mossvale Park is distinguished by its many fine examples of mature exotic specimen trees, which together with the remnant indigenous vegetation, create an area of exceptional landscape quality that is unique within the Shire. (AHC criterion - E.1)
Socially, Mossvale Park is an important part of the identity of the Berry's Creek area, and is one of most well-known and best-loved parks in the South Gippsland region. (AHC criterion - G.1)
Aesthetically, Mossvale Park is distinguished by its many fine examples of mature exotic specimen trees, which together with the remnant indigenous vegetation, create an area of exceptional landscape quality that is unique within the Shire. (AHC criterion - E.1)
Socially, Mossvale Park is an important part of the identity of the Berry's Creek area, and is one of most well-known and best-loved parks in the South Gippsland region. (AHC criterion - G.1)
Group
Parks, Gardens and Trees
Category
Gate