Cantwell Park

Statement of Significance

Cantwell Park contains some of the oldest oak and pine trees in the district. Cantwell Park has served as a popular recreation spot for the residents of Pinjarra for nearly a century.

Physical Description

Parkland situated on the western banks of Murray River, close to the bridge.

History

In 1914, the Roads Board was undertaking a Main Street beautification drive and the issue of the bridge reserve was examined. The land was used by the Roads Board Secretary as a horse paddock and as an occasional rubbish tip by the townspeople. In 1919 Pinjarra School teacher, C. D. Evans, approached the Board requesting that the school use a portion of the reserve for agricultural science purposes. The Roads Board agreed. However, by the end of that year the land was no longer required as the school was moved to a new location with area available for agricultural science purposes. The new head teacher, A. R. Cantwell, helped form a Pinjarra Branch of the Returned Services Association and requested that the reserve be converted into a memorial park for the commemoration of fallen soldiers. The Board agreed, funding additional plantings. The Board were soon after offered a ‘war trophy’, such as a German machine gun, field gun or trench mortar. A trench mortar was provided and placed in the park. School children levelled much of the land, dug out flower beds, planted trees and watered the gardens during the summer months. In 1923 a War Memorial Committee was formed and erected a stone cross in the centre of the reserve. It was made by Messrs Eales and Cohen (Subiaco) from Mahogany Creek granite. It was unveiled by Governor Sir Francis Newdegate in July 1923. The war memorial was later moved to its present location to the south of the Civic Centre, fronting Pinjarra Road. In 1927, after the accidental death of A. R. Cantwell, the RSL erected a set of memorial gates. A flagpole was erected in 1929. In 1972 the Park was first lit by electric lighting. There has been subsequent upgrading to infrastructure undertaken in stages between 2005 and 2008. In 1998 Memorial Park was renamed Cantwell Park. In 2001 the Borrungar Artist Group completed the Totem Project artwork. Also in 2001, a 2.5 tonne cement sofa installed as part of the ‘Take Your Seat’ project. Part of the ‘In the Community’ program. This was part of a sofa trail through Mandurah, Dwellingup, Waroona, Yarloop, Bunbury, Rockingham and Kwinana. In 2005, ‘Sanctuary Arch’ was installed as part of the ‘In the Community’ program. The Arch used sheet aluminium supplied by Alcoa, and it was welded by Alcoa Pinjarra Refinery apprentices and artist Gary Aitken. Spans 2.7m and stands 3.5m high. In 2009, the Joe Wally Memorial BBQ and seating was installed. Mr Wally was a prominent Aboriginal elder of the region whom passed away in recent years. 2010 saw Stage 1 of the Cantwell Park upgrade. This stage includes adventure playground equipment, at a cost of $250,000. Much of the money was funded through grants supplied through Royalties for Regions. Subsequent stages are subject to further funding being obtained.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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