Wilson Reserve

Wilson Reserve, containing 2.8 hectares of riparian and grassy woodland, remnants of a 1968 Ellis Stones playground (including plantings), 1945 Ivanhoe Sea Scouts Memorial Den, commemorative cairn,obelisk and plaques, and mature exotic trees, is significant.

How is it significant?

Wilson Reserve is of local historical, aesthetic and social significance to the City of Banyule.

Why is it significant?

Wilson Reserve is of local signifcance as the site of the first training camp for scout leaders in Victoria, and for its long association with one of Victoria's first scout troops - 1st Ivanhoe Troop (1908) - later becoming the Ivanhoe Sea Scouts (1918). This signifcance is demonstrated by the concrete building constructed on the site of the camp in 1945 as a memorial to the sea scouts who died in World War Two, and associated plaques and commemorative structures in the reserve. (Criterion A)

Wilson Reserve is of historical significance for its exotic oak and poplar plantings dating back associated with the area's early European history. (Criteria A & E)

Wilson Reserve is of social significance for its long association with early community and environmental groups from the 1920s until the present day. It is also significant for the close and enduring involvement of noted landscape designer and environmentalist Ellis Stones in various construction works including memorial cairn (1940s), remnant rock works, slide placement and plantings associated with his pioneering playground design from 1968. (Criteria G, H, E)

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Reserve