Who (or what) uses the park?
Marian Park is a green space enjoyed by many local residents and people working in Redfern who seek a relaxing space in which to rest and recreate. Beside humans there are many types of animals that have made the Park their home. Marian Park has become a perfect habitat for humans and animals alike.
Visiting the Park at different hours of the day you can meet all kinds of people and animals enjoying the green space and fresh air. In the early morning hours residents who walk their dogs in the park cross paths with people who choose to walk via the park on their way to work. During varying hours of the day people enjoy a lie down on the grass or under the trees. Around lunchtime people use the park for a lunch picnic and others just to enjoy the tranquillity. After work hours many people use the park as a meeting spot.
A Watertower resident has mentioned many of the animals they have seen enjoy Marian Park in this comment.
As the number of residents increases in Redfern, so will the need for this green space.
March 12th, 2006 at 11:52 am
Copy of letter sent to Robert Domm, CEO of RWA 12/03/06
Dear Robert,
As a resident of Redfern, I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the Redfern-Waterloo Built environment plan. As CEO I trust that you will ensure all comments from community consultation will be taken into consideration accordingly in order to provide the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.
I welcome and encourage ideas to revitalise the Redfern – Waterloo area –strategically its location is very unique and important. If done correctly, the suburb will be a sought after location to spend time in – to live in , work or for recreation.
In response to the current proposal I make the following comments and suggestions:
No - to any commercial or residential development on Marian Street Park - residents of Redfern need more open space not less! The park provides a much needed buffer from the sight of heavy traffic, noise/air pollution and is a precious nature strip aesthetically and socially. The park is the “jewel in the crown” of the railway station precinct - and I hope your planning committee see likewise.
I recommend that the park be upgraded to maximise this wonderful oasis we have on our doorstep. The park is a huge asset to the area – let the RWA use this opportunity to create something wonderful for residents, visitors, workers and for generations to come.
ie. Landscaped to include Garden beds with flowering annuals, (or perhaps planting of more Australian natives to attract and support local birdlife), more public seating, a water feature, perhaps a location to provide public information about the area - Location maps / areas of historical interest. Lets create a great open space for people to enjoy and make the park part of Redferns iconic redevelopment.
I would also like to see the inclusion of other green open space areas in future development plans.
Likewise, I am opposed to 18 storey office towers as part of the railway station precinct and “Civic space development”.
I think people would rather sit in the quiet of a park, bathed in natural sunlight, or under the shade of a tree, surrounded by nature.
Your proposal suggests we spend time in the windswept, shadow of highrise (vacant?) buildings , squeezed between heavy traffic (and all the associated noise, air pollution) from Gibbons and Regent street?
Where would you rather be?
We don’t want to live in a concrete jungle.
Robert, while I am only one voice in the community, I know many other people care and are concerned about the current RWA development proposal. Please take into consideration my feedback and ideas.
I look forward to future revised plans and again the opportunity for community consultation.
Yours sincerely,
Tamara Blythman
Resident of Ariane Apartments - 32-42 Rosehill Street, Redfern