Deicke Richards master planned the Grace Wilson Estate and designed its water sensitive parkland. The estate is a suburban subdivision in McDowell, in Brisbane’s north-west. The parkland was designed as a central area within the estate, reinforcing a sense of community and shared ownership. Major trees were retained where possible to provide shady open or bushland settings. A former drainage corridor was restored as a natural creek with sedges and rushes and a seasonal detention pond has improved water quality downstream.
A variety of play experiences were created for children of all ages: a green for ball games; a major swing complex; totem sculptures on a grassy knoll; a vegetated creek with stepping stones; and an area of natural bush. A picnic area is located to maximise views and surveillance across the park and to provide a local meeting place.
The project was completed in 2005 and received the 2009 UDIA Queensland Award for Best Small Residential Subdivision. The project continues a 10-year association with the client.
