Among the projects recognised was the Shirley Strickland Reserve Redevelopment in Ardross, which received the Community Facility of the Year Award. The $9.6 million redevelopment supports a wide range of sporting, leisure, and community activities and is home to five sporting clubs. The project was completed in June 2022 following extensive engagement with local users and stakeholders.
Using canopy data to support better park outcomes
As part of the redevelopment, the City of Melville partnered with ArborCarbon to better understand how tree canopy was performing across the reserve and surrounding areas.
Using high-resolution aerial imagery and data analysis, ArborCarbon supported the City to map tree cover, assess canopy health, and compare changes over time. This approach provided a consistent evidence base to support planning decisions and long-term management of trees within the reserve.
The collaboration was recognised with the Best Use of Technology Award, acknowledging how data-led insights can improve outcomes for parks and public spaces.
City of Melville Mayor George Gear noted that the technology has helped Council gain a clearer understanding of tree cover and condition, supporting informed decisions about how parks are designed and managed.
A broader commitment to quality public spaces
In addition to Shirley Strickland Reserve, several other City of Melville projects were recognised at the awards:
- The Davis Lawlor Park Extension in Attadale received a high commendation in the category of playspaces under $500,000.
- Bob Gordon Reserve Playspace in Bull Creek was a finalist in the playspace category over $500,000, featuring a bespoke play element inspired by the local Futuro House landmark.
For ArborCarbon, the City of Melville collaboration demonstrates how councils can use reliable canopy data to support transparency, demonstrate value to their communities, and plan public spaces that perform well over time.
Original coverage of the City of Melville awards can be found on Inside Local Government:
City of Melville parks climb in popularity
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/city-of-melville-parks-climb-in-popularity/
