Smails Reserve (Brunker Park)

Place Design Group were commissioned by Landcom to undertake full landscape architectural services for Brunker Park (now Smails Reserve) as the primary open space for Stage 1 of the greater Potts Hill residential development. Potts Hill is located adjacent to the Potts Hill Reservoir and falls within the Bankstown City Council LGA.

Separated by a steep embankment of remnant and endangered vegetation, the park is split into two levels. This embankment was revegetation under a VMP and as because of this, the park offers two distinct landscape experiences. The upper level comprises mainly of a large open space area for active play punctuated by a series of raised concrete bunkers that have been planted out, referencing the numerous catchment dams that historically supplied water to the Potts Hill Reservoir. This open space also incorporates public art entry statement that features three large water pipes found on site and reinvented as an interpretive and sculptural element referencing the hydrological system. The lower level open space is designed for more passive use, nestled within existing vegetation indigenous to the site and formed around a small detention basin.

Through close collaboration with the developer and consultant team, the park successfully connects the development to the greater municipal network and provides public amenity enhanced through green open space areas, picnic shelters, BBQ facilities and bespoke proprietary seating.