The City of Vincent transformed an unused drainage sump into a vibrant pocket park, enhancing community access to open space, increasing stormwater storage, and reducing flood risk by 50%.
Scale: Commercial and Industrial lot
Development Type: Public open space, Retrofitting
Local Government: City of Vincent
WSUD Solution: Soakwells, Swales/Buffer strips, Waterwise landscaping
A fenced-off sump on the corner of Lawler and Bedford streets in the City of Vincent was constructed decades ago to receive stormwater from the surrounding road network. Typical of most neighbourhood sumps, it contained weeds and rubbish, and the fence required ongoing maintenance to prevent public access to the site due to its depth. As well as providing flood protection to neighbouring properties, the sump also contained some beautiful, mature trees.
The City of Vincent and its Environmental Advisory Group identified the opportunity to convert the sump into a park to increase the community’s access to open space, particularly in the context of the City’s growth and predominantly infill development. Given the sump’s location on a corner block and next to a school, the City of Vincent decided to turn it into a pocket park where people could relax, play and interact with nature.
The City of Vincent successfully retrofitted an unsightly, inaccessible drainage sump into a green, attractive, and useable pocket park. The park increased stormwater storage, with the project resulting in an increase in local drainage capacity of approximately 50% (total storage of195 m3), which reduced local flood risk. The increased available open space improves neighbourhood liveability and the park is used by the neighbouring school and the local community. The City was able to retain mature native trees for shade and habitat and installed bush tucker plants, logs and play areas for people in the community to enjoy.
Our focus areas
Supporting community wellbeing and healthy environments within resilient and sustainable places throughout Western Australia.
