Dalkeith/Nedlands Foreshore

Child Places

• 13614 Tawarri Reception Centre

Statement of Significance

The Dalkeith/Nedlands Foreshore has significant aesthetic, historic, social and scientific cultural heritage value. The foreshore provides a natural backdrop/ridgeline as viewed from the river and the tlat. grassed areas do not impede the view of the river from the 'Esplanade and Birdwood Parade. Historically the foreshore has been the scene of a number of significant events that have been important in the development of the City of Nedlands and have contributed to the character of the district. The foreshore has significant social heritage value as it attracts many peoplc for both passive and active recreation. Significantly the foreshore was kept for the unlimited access of aJl people, not just local residents, a boon for the many people who come to enjoy Ole peaceful open space next to the Swan River. Though not very extensive, there are some remnants of native vegetation that serve to promote scientific and environmental awareness.

Physical Description

The focus of Foreshore Reserve No I is the old Nedlands Baths. the jetty and Jo Jo's restaurant. Adjacent to these is the predominantly flat grass playing fields and the associated Nedlands Rugby Union clubrooms. There is a significant stand of mature trees iCasuarlna equiestfolla) near the car park which are a valuable source of shade and food for galahs. To the west end of foreshore No.1 is situated playground equipment and park furniture. There is also a significant stand of mature exotic trees including Ficus hilii, Pinus radiata. Casuarina sp. And Agonis flexuosa valuable for shade. wind protection, visual amenity and habitat/ food source for birdlife. Foreshore Reserve No 2 (situated to the west of Reserve No I) is predominantly an area of flat grass field and linking concrete walkway adjacent to the foreshore retaining wall and associated sailing facilities. Beaton Park is situated between the Flying SquadronYacht Club and Tawarrl Lodge. The parkland contains the main Nedlands foreshore picnic facilities in a well defined and maintained park. There is a significant stand of native tree planting Including Eucalyptus andAgontsflexuosa 1:1:\ well as a central area of native rhrub planting. The area over the Esplanade opposite Beaton Park consists of an approximately 30 metre wide strip at the base of the slope conralning car parking area on limestone base, some native shrub planting, grass and trees. There is also a large stand of mature date palms and coral trees. The bushland slope between Birdwood Parade and the Esplanade contains significant remnants of native bushland including banksia and marri, an area of limestone outcrop described as pinnacles, as well as Introduced flora species such as bamboo and various weeds.

History

The Foreshore has been a vital part of the development of Ned lands and Dalkeith. Since the construction of the jetty and swimming baths. people have been attracted to the foreshore for recreational purposes. Visitors included day trippers and holiday makers who carne for swimming. fishing. prawning, yachting and camping. In 1921 it was estimated that 300,000 people visited the foreshore. A popular place for camping was near the Hot Pool in Dalkeith (see Thematic Framework p 1.9). Construction on the foreshore as we know it today (1998, Reserve No 1 and No 2) began during 1933-35. The reclamation and walling was partly an anti depression measure to assist the unemployed workers who were paid sustenance wages for their labour. Further work in the form of dredging and reclamation occurred In 1956 and then again in 1962-64 and 1966. Beaton Park is an attractive park situated between Tawarri Lodge and the Flying Squadron Yacht Club. It was named in 1977 after City of Nedlands Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, Robert Beaton. Beaton lived all his life in the City of Nedlands and apart form World War J[ service, was never out of the area for any length of time. He was committed to his job and also made an admirable contribution to the community as a member of the Nedlands Rotary Club. The mature tree plantings in the parks are indicative of early planting species used and earlier park and settlement patterns. An example of these are the sites of sugar gums. Pt Jackson figs. coral trees. Canary Island date palms, eating figs. tamarisks, peppermint trees, bamboo grass and Cape Lilac. The remnant endemic bushland on the slope is indicative of original associations occurring along the foreshore pre settlement and clearing. An example of this is the marri-banksia woodland. The Dalkeith/Nedlands foreshore still attracts many people for recreation. Childrens parks, good walking and cycling paths, and the yacht clubs are among few of the interesting features of the area. The annual City of Nedlands kite flying event also brings many visitors to the shores of the Swan River.

Integrity/Authenticity

Many changes to original shore line

Condition

Well maintained

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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