Safer Cities Belmore Park
Safer Cities Belmore Park
This demonstration project explored ways to improve perceptions of safety in public spaces, with a particular focus on women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Location
Gadi Country Sydney, NSW
Client
City of Sydney
Completion
2024
Collaborators
The Peregrine Centre MAAT Gadigal Pathways Indigigrow Bangawarra sue barnsley design AX Interactive Sian James-Holland Barbara Flynn Suzanne Boccalate Noni Boyd Jean Rice
Belmore Park, adjacent to the Central Station transport hub, was identified by the City of Sydney as the pilot site for this important initiative. This heavily treed space is a key arrival point to the city and a thoroughfare between the station and the southern CBD, yet it has limited recreational use, and was known to be ‘scary’ and high risk, particularly after dark.
Our team led a series of workshops with stakeholders, community representatives, and the design team to understand perceptions of safety among different users and at various times of day. In collaboration with the local community and Master Weaver Nadeena Dixon, we developed the concept of a native Boobook Owl, introducing a unifying sense of watchful observation across the park.
The friendly night owl supergraphics animated the park edges and pathways, encouraging engagement and lingering, while creating opportunities for community activations such as table tennis competitions, educational native garden talks, and weaving workshops.
The symbol of the flannel flower is about remembering our obligation to care for, and protect, Country. Shaped like a star, they are a reminder to listen to the words and guidance of the young in our communities.
Playful and metaphoric wayfinding and signage addresses the ‘convoluted’ and overly complex footpath system.
“In Gadigal culture, the Boobook Owl holds profound spiritual significance, acting as a guardian and protector. Its presence offers protection to individuals and communities, watching over those who may feel vulnerable, afraid, or disconnected.”
Nadeena Dixon
Native plantings, seating areas and activities added to the appeal of the space, providing opportunities for people to gather and learn more about the site and its stories.
Marked entry points demonstrate a welcoming place. Each entry features the watchful Owl,
and the star symbol runs throughout the park, guiding a safe pathway for users.
The Belmore Park perception and usage data was compiled with nine other pilot projects
across NSW in order to inform public space improvements in the future.
Team
Credits
Photography
Anthony Geernaert