How did a former rubbish tip transform into a cherished park? That’s the intriguing story of Gordon Barnard Reserve. This green space in Balwyn North offers a surprising blend of recreation and natural beauty. It is named after Gordon Barnard a former curator of the City of Camberwell.
Once a creek bed for Glass Creek, this valley became the City of Camberwell’s municipal rubbish tip in the 1950s. Imagine the scene: trucks rumbling, the constant dumping, a far cry from the serene park we see today. The Northern Pool now the Boroondara Sports Complex, was built in 1962. It marked a shift, hinting at the area’s future recreational purpose.
The exact date of the tip’s closure remains a mystery. However, its transformation into the Gordon Barnard Reserve is a testament to urban renewal. Today, the reserve boasts two ovals primarily used for sports. The Balwyn Cricket Club and Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club use the park. Also the Greythorn Football Club and Canterbury Junior Football Club use the park.
But Gordon Barnard Reserve is more than just sports fields. It features a significant amount of native vegetation. Gravel paths wind through the park. They connect various points within the reserve. A primary circuit path follows the ovals’ boundaries. It is ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling.
For dog lovers, there is a dedicated fenced off-lead dog area. It is located between the east oval and the Boroondara Sports Complex. This area is closed for maintenance on Thursdays from 7 am to 8:30 am. Inside, you will find a sandy surface. There are also logs, rocks and a sandpit for digging. A mural pays tribute to Boroondara’s most popular dog breeds. Outside the fenced area dogs are allowed on-leash.
Accessing Gordon Barnard Reserve is easy. Car parks are located off Balwyn Road and Belmore Road. Bus route 285 stops near the Balwyn Leisure Centre. The park is also accessible from Belmore Road bus routes 302 and 304.
The east oval is the smaller of the two ovals. It is suitable for AFL, cricket, outdoor fitness training and general sports. It features a turf cricket pitch and AFL goal posts during winter. Public facilities include a barbecue, drinking fountain and playground. There are no public toilets at Gordon Barnard Reserve.
So, as you stroll through Gordon Barnard Reserve, remember its past. From a humble creek bed to a bustling rubbish tip and now a vibrant recreational space. It is a place where sports, nature, and community come together. It is a reminder that even the most unlikely places can be transformed into something beautiful.