Bankbook Park, Wongawilli

Bankbook Park is a distinctive feature within Vista Park, Wongawilli's new residential community, located just south of Wollongong's CBD. The playground at Bankbook Park is adorned with play equipment and sculptures that have been restored from artifacts found at the nearby Wongawilli Coal Mine.

Nestled beneath the Illawarra Escarpment, the enduring natural setting of creek lines and coastal plains seamlessly blends into the park and community layout.

Design principles draw inspiration from the mining history of adjacent Wongawilli Mine. Key elements integrate to form a distinctive destination for both residents and visitors.

Retired industrial equipment like a Boiler, Man Cars, and structural beams from the Wongawilli mine find new life as support for swings, shade structures, and children’s play items. The Boiler serves as an interpretive piece, offering users a slice of local history. Additionally, 15-metre-tall electricity pylons, once powering the mine, now support a flying fox that spans the park.

The park provides various seating options beneath shade structures, an accessible BBQ, and water bubblers.

Directly bordering a residential community and an existing riparian corridor, the park is enriched by strong riparian planting themes that extend from the adjacent corridor, enhancing the place's character. Anchored by a large Fig tree, the park retains a visual focal point for residents.

Taylor Brammer collaborated closely with the client and local Council, creating a lively parkland that serves as a central community hub and pays homage to the area's unique history.

Mining artefacts from nearby Wongawilli Coal Mine