Mueller Park

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historic significance as a parkland reserve in Subiaco, and has social significance to the community as a place for social and recreational activities.

Physical Description

Large, grassed open space with mature trees, lights and benches scattered throughout. The area is fenced by low, pine barriers. There is a central, brick paved , terraced area and rotunda. A row of Port Jackson Fig Trees line Roberts Road. A row of trees runs diagonally from the north east to the south west corners.

History

Mueller was a botanist for the Colonial Government, and Mueller Road and Mueller Park were named in his honour. During WWI they were renamed Roberts Road and Kitchener Park respectively, after (non-German) war heroes. A section of Kitchener park was later renamed Mueller Park. (Ref: Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 209-210.)
North Subiaco began to develop as an area for residential and for the provision of community facilities from the early 1900s. The opening of the railway line established Subiaco as an area within close proximity to Perth for investors and as a place for people to settle. With sales by Real estate release common, land near the railway platform was the first to be sold. North of Subiaco Road was released as 'Subiaco Estate' in 1895 and south of Roberts Road (formally Mueller Road) was released in 1896. People settled along either side of the railway line, as the more affordable prices made the land accessible to workers. Recreational facilities with the Municipal Gardens and Subiaco Oval being established for the local Football and Cricket Club also played an important role in attracting residents to the new area. Subiaco became known as the home of hospitals, and health care for the young became accessible with the first wing of a Children's Hospital at the corner of Thomas Road and Meuller Road (now Princess Margaret Hospital) opening in 1909. (Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1900-1930; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken Identity Prized: a history of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp.51-75, 160-169.

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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.