Pickering Park

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the early decades of the 20th century and the provision of facilities to the growing community.
• The place has aesthetic value as a well maintained informal landscape in the suburban
environment.
• The place has social value to the many members of the community who have visited the park for formal and informal occasions.

Physical Description

Open parkland containing dense tree planting which includes native and exotic species. Located on the edge of the Swan River the park incorporates a boat jetty and children’s play area. Bindaring Park is located across Bassendean Parade and includes a small lake and wetland.

History

This reserve was originally designated as several residential lots in the subdivision offered c1905 by developer, Wesley Maley. The subdivision was known as ‘Riverside’, and many of the road names reflected Wesley Maley’s enthusiasm for the prize rams he purchased for his Katanning pastoral property, Moojebing. Some lots were taken up but there was not the rapid sale of lots such that in 1914 the subdivision was again promoted in the local press. The advertising at this time notes that 'a large river frontage block has been donated to the Roads Board as a Public Recreation Ground'. The term donation is misleading as a report in the local press from December 1913 notes that the Bassendean Road Board had recently purchased the new riverside recreation reserve. On 13th December a 'Gala Day' for the children of the district was held at the reserve which was formally opened by Premier
Scadden. Premier Scadden congratulated the Road Board on securing the reserve of over five acres for £150 even if the purchase was 'regarded merely as speculation'. After the opening the Premier, the Minister for Works and the Chairman of the Roads Board planted some ornamental trees. The afternoon included performances by the YMCA band, demonstration of West Guildford Fire Brigade, exhibition of life saving by the YMCA, afternoon teas and trips on a motor launch. The main focus of the day was the children's
entertainment and competitions for which prizes were awarded. In 1922, the area was formally gazetted as a reserve and named in honour of John Pickering who was a
member of the West Guildford Road Board and the subsequent Bassendean Road Board achieving the role of Chairman in 1913-1914 and 1921-1923. He was also involved in the purchase of the reserve and a key organisation of the Gala Day at the reserve in 1913.
Since 1913, the reserve has been predominantly used as a passive recreation space with little formal intervention by the Town of Bassendean apart from maintaining the grassed landscape. Pathways have been added in the later decades of the 20th century. The Bassendean Sea Scouts boat house was located on the eastern end of the river frontage in the 1970s and 1980s. The reserve continues to be vested in the Town of Bassendean and in 2013 the Town organised a celebration to mark the 100 years since the acquisition of the reserve by the Town.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.