Bassendean Improvement Committee Reserve

Child Places

• 07398 Bassendean Croquet Club
• 16774 Rolf Harris Splash Pool
• 18087 Bassendean Tennis Club

Statement of Significance

The following Statement of Significance has been based on the documentation prepared in 2003 for the State Heritage Office. Bassendean Improvement Committee Reserve comprising tennis courts and clubrooms (c1958), bowling clubrooms and greens (c.1960), the relocated Bassendean War Memorial (1920; 1971; 2015), and extensive landscaped public recreation space, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • the place demonstrates the commitment of the Bassendean Improvement Committee and the greater Bassendean community which achieved the goal of creating a substantial sporting venue in 1935, created by sustenance workers during the period of economic depression; • the place is important as a substantial recreational area containing a range of sporting and recreational facilities within a parkland setting; • since the relocation of the Bassendean War Memorial to the reserve in 2015, the place is associated with the servicemen and women from Bassendean who served with the AIF since 1920 and the annual memorials at the structure; • the place is valued by the community of Bassendean as a venue for a wide range of sporting and community activities continuously since its construction in 1934; and, • the place contributes to the community’s sense of place because of its prominent location adjacent to the town centre and continued use as a community recreation facility.

Physical Description

The reserve is largely a grassed open space linking various elements within the landscaped space. The Bassendean War Memorial is featured within the former oval and is accessed by concrete pathways and bordered with garden beds. Within the reserve are tennis courts, the bowling club and playground equipment. The Town of Bassendean council offices and library border the reserve on the south.

History

The land on which Bassendean Improvement Committee Reserve is located was formerly known as Hay’s Swamp. The land, owned by journalist Jose Hay was largely a swamp which featured a large wooden home built by Hay considered to be an 'eyesore' by local Bassendean businessmen. Upon Hay’s death in 1923 it was suggested to the Bassendean Road Board that they purchase the land in order to improve the view and the facilities for the residents of Bassendean. The Road Board convened a committee in December 1923 of the Traders Association and other interested citizens to raise funds for the purchase of 'Hay's Swamp'. The main driver of the project was Dick McDonald, an Irishman who had settled in the district with his family in 1911. He continued his contribution to the community following service during WWI as a long serving Chairman and member of the Bassendean Road Board. The creation of the BIC Reserve was stifled through the poor economic climate throughout the 1920s. The ambition of raising £750 to purchase the 11 acres of Hay's Swamp took until 1928 and involved many community events. Clearing the land was undertaken by 'sustenance' workers, a government scheme to use unemployed workers during the depression period to facilitate the completion of public works. The 'susso' workers were often local ex-servicemen. A design of the Reserve was the secured through a competition in 1927. An entry by architect, Mr A.S.H. McClay of Midland Junction influenced by the 'City Beautiful' movement featured a maze, rose garden, landscaped gardens and a viewing platform for spectators to watch the sports. Buildings on the reserve were designed by architects Powell, Cameron and Chisholm in 1935 and included a tennis pavilion, bowling clubrooms and change rooms. A successful tender of £1528 was received from builder J.F. Meredith for these builders. The BIC reserve was opened on 9 November 1935 and included a tennis pavilion, bowling clubrooms, change rooms, shelter shed, tennis courts, bowling greens, oval and play grounds. The BIC reserve has been adapted and changed since its creation as the needs of the community have altered. The buildings have been relocated on the site and the oval gradually diminished in size so that it was no longer viable for football. The widening of Guildford Road in the 1970s was a significant influence on the shape of the BIC Reserve. The most significant change in recent years was the relocation of the war memorial in late 2014 to 2015. It was completed in time for the Anzac Day ceremony in 2015. A recent innovation has been the dedication of land north of the council offices for an outdoor cinema during the summer months.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update