Giant frogs, geckos and a very big lizard have been captured in Darvall Park - in the form of three beautiful sandstone sculptures.
The larger-than-life wildlife block motifs, captured by Sydney sculptor Chris Bennetts, were recently installed in Darvall Park as part of a $150,000 beautification and upgrade.
“The sculptures were chosen for their natural theme and interactive quality,” says City of Ryde Landscape Architect, Elizabeth Read. “We especially wanted the kids to touch them, climb on them and ask questions about the sculptures. It’s a subtle way of demonstrating that parks aren’t just for playing – they’re for learning about the environment, too,”
The meter-high sculptures are the showpieces of the new children’s Playspace and Darvall Park upgrade, which includes:
- new footpaths, including a kid’s bike path
- new playground equipment
- picnic shelter
- barbeque
- amenities block
- amazing trees and wildlife
Working with City of Ryde Bush Care Officer, a team of dedicated Bushcare Volunteers devote their time and energy to the upkeep of this important environment, which contains remnants of the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, an ecologically endangered community of plants which is protected under the Threatened Species Act.
The Darvall Park Upgrade and Playspace are due for completion in September 2008.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland 9952 8083
