Civocity Park, Bardon

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Imagine creating an interactive urban space where you could open up your backyard for the public to come, sit, play, and enjoy a parkland from morning to night on any day. Well, that idea became a reality for one Brisbane resident. And the result is Civosity-Park.



Civocity Park is an innovative home design in Brisbane's inner city suburb of Bardon, which has been created by its owner, David Engwicht. The name of the park gives a hint into the idea and purpose behind this interactive community space. You see, Civocity means civility and generosity.



Engwicht, an advocate for urban spaces and a placemaker, has created a park that blurs the lines between public and private. Civocity is based on a landscaped outdoor playground at the rear of the property, which is open to everyone to stop by and experience. It's perfect really since the property adjoins the Council bikepaths and park, which are a fabulous and already activity-driven part of the built environment along Enoggera Creek.

Before creating Civocity, Engwicht came to public attention when the State Government canvased the contentious Route 20 policy proposal in the 1980s. The policy would involve a controversial urban expressway, leading to the establishment of CART Citizens Against Route Twenty (CART), and David was a key voice in questioning the road and its impact.

It helped to reinforce his belief in community and the significance of public spaces to create memorable experiences, which underpins Civocity Park.

Let's take a closer look at some of the standout features of community-focused Civocity Park, which make it so special.

The Sculpture Garden
The front gable of the wooden Queensland house and garden, seen from Jubilee Terrace, is framed by hand-cast cylindrical columns with some very cheeky monkeys welcoming visitors. The tall, spiralling columns have been handmade by David, who is also an artist.



The Book Exchange
Books and reading are a wonderful chance to escape from the everyday, meet new characters, and see the world through the eyes of an author. Civocity has made that all the easier with a free street library book or exchange station at the front of the property. It encourages visitors to drop off books they have finished and wish to share, and for others to take the book home and read at their leisure.



But this is not your average book exchange library. The books are housed and stacked in a former refrigerator. You read correctly - a refrigerator.

It makes sense, really. When you open the door to the fridge, there are shelves and ample room to hold fiction and non-fiction titles to browse. You will be able to spot the fridge and its turn page purpose, with an original bookish image on the front door, and the invitation to 'take a book and leave a book.'

Next, it was time to wander down the path beside the bridge and creek to reach the backyard where the park action begins.



Sculptures
More of David's sculptures appear throughout the garden. Classic 70s style Rollerskates (titled The Great Race), and long-necked birds have been installed, bringing even more character and interest to the space.

The Deck
A terraced wooden deck which is shaded by a giant poinsina tree - famous for its big red flowers, which bloom just in time for Christmas. Outdoor chairs are available on the deck to sit and rest in silence or to share a coffee with friends.



The Pond and Suspension Bridge
A series of bridges helps you to step over the gentle stream that runs through the garden.





The Tree Stump Cubby and Mushrooms
The highlight and biggest surprise for me was the Tree Stump cubby and Mushrooms. The kids will love exploring and hiding in the giant tree stump cubby, complete with tiny chairs to make themselves comfy and the enormous mushrooms to dart and weave between.



Along with kids and families, water dragons can be seen wandering across pebbles, finding shelter behind the palm fronds, or catching some sun rays on one of the larger boulder rocks in the water.

[IMAGE1238039 Photo: Gillian Ching - Can you spot the frilled lizard on the rock?]

While my visit was during the day, the park has warm garden lighting to give it an illuminated look and feel at night. A donation box is also available if you want to help support the upkeep and maintenance of the park.

In a time when owning a home is a challenge and backyards are becoming smaller, Civocity plays an important role in creating belonging, community development, and a sense of home, even if it is in public. It is a hidden secret just waiting to be discovered.



To visit and experience Civocity for yourself and see how private land can be used for public good, head to 7 Fetcher Parade, Bardon. The space is open from 5 am to midnight and free street parking is available.



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