Linear park a first for Queensland residential development

Parkland the length of ten football fields will be a feature of AVID Property Group's masterplanned community Harmony in Queensland's Parkdale.

The linear park, spanning more than five hectares will become a  'green spine' through the development according to Bruce Harper, general manager, AVID Property Group. He said conventional design dictates a series of local parks dispersed around the community, which are often under-utilised by residents.

"The combination of the parks into one long linear space, provided a visual and physical connecting ‘green spine’ through the development that would deliver a range of passive and active spaces, making the linear park and the development unique," he said.

“This design has also meant we’ve been able to effectively meet Sunshine Coast Council’s objective of providing a park within 400 metres of every home – at Harmony more than 90 percent of all resident will be within 250 metres from a local park.

"And this also means we’ve been able to connect our future residents to Harmony’s 60km network of pedestrian path and cycle ways.

“The design encompasses key activation areas, including recreational zones for people to kick the football or run around, to quieter areas to relax and read a book or enjoy a picnic. What our grand linear park will offer is a clear reflection of the social and recreational needs of our buyers.

Peter Egerton, technical director, urban design, RPS Regional  said Harmony was unique in its topography as the site was particularly flat, which removed a number of design limitations for the linear park.

“Most new sites for communities of this size, have hills and gullies, which dictate the design by the location of storm water, treatment and roadways,” Mr Egerton said. 

“Harmony has an abundance of open space and types of open space, which will be a huge attraction for buyers. The removal of traditional design restrictions enabled the team to put forward a design that really exceeds expectations for activation and functionality for the community. 

“The difference in our design approach came about using the linear link, or green spine, to put residents within a four to five minute walk away from a linear park that takes you somewhere – and that somewhere can be to a district sports fields, regional open space or a neighbourhood centre.” 

For more information on Harmony, visit www.harmonyliving.com.au