Situated along the picturesque banks of the Nepean River in Western Sydney, Australia, Tench Reserve stands as a benchmark in park design, community engagement, and sustainability. A key project under the NSW Government’s Parks for People program, this transformation balances environmental sensitivity with contemporary functionality, delivering a revitalised parkland that fosters social connection, recreation, and ecological resilience.
Guided by the City of Penrith’s Nepean River Masterplan, the design enhances community well-being while integrating with Sydney’s broader blue-green infrastructure. The 10-hectare site, bordered by the Nepean River, a motorway, and residential areas, required a highly adaptable approach to flooding, connectivity, and access challenges. The project’s design ethos was rooted in creating a welcoming and vibrant open space for all ages and abilities, ensuring long-term sustainability and community benefit.
Community-Led Design
Community engagement was central to the project’s success. CONTEXT collaborated with JOC Consulting to conduct extensive consultation with local residents, stakeholders, and Indigenous knowledge holders. Over 650 community members participated in workshops, online surveys, and interactive mapping tools to voice their aspirations and priorities. Key themes that emerged included improved gathering spaces, better pedestrian and cycling access, inclusive play areas, enhanced river connectivity, and greater environmental care. These insights directly shaped the park’s design, ensuring it aligned with the needs of the local community.
Key Features
Stage 1: Riverside Precinct
This phase delivered significant enhancements to community facilities and natural spaces, including:
- An inclusive playground featuring water play, nature play elements, and accessible play structures designed for children of all abilities.
- New accessible picnic areas with shaded seating, BBQ facilities, and community gathering spaces.
- An inclusive amenities pavilion by Hill Thalis Architecture, ensuring accessible amenities for people with disabilities.
- New pathways and native planting to enhance biodiversity and improve pedestrian and cyclist movement throughout the park.
- The ‘Story Trap’ public artwork by Cave Urban, an interactive Land Art piece inspired by Aboriginal fish traps, honouring local cultural heritage and inviting tactile engagement.
Stage 2: Wharf Recreation Precinct
The final stage of the project focused on enhancing the connection between the community and the river, introducing a range of new recreational and social spaces:
- An amphitheatre and sculptural stair seating providing a flexible space for events, performances, and quiet reflection.
- Expanded riverside hubs offering new social gathering areas, fitness zones, and rest spaces with stunning river views.
- Additional shade structures, seating, and BBQ areas ensuring comfort and usability throughout the seasons.
- New water access points allowing for kayaking, fishing, and other river-based activities, strengthening the bond between the park and the Nepean River.
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Cultural and Environmental Considerations
A deep respect for the cultural and ecological significance of the site was embedded into the design. Collaboration with Aboriginal knowledge holders ensured that local cultural narratives were interwoven throughout the park, from material selection to public art and interpretive storytelling. This approach not only enriched the park’s identity but also fostered a greater understanding of the area’s Indigenous heritage among visitors.
Sustainability was a major focus, with flood-tolerant vegetation, permeable surfaces, and durable materials selected to withstand the natural conditions of the site. The planting strategy prioritised native species that support local biodiversity while enhancing the park’s natural beauty. The integration of sustainable water management systems further ensures the longevity and resilience of the landscape.
A Community-Centric Legacy
Since its reopening, Tench Reserve has become a major community hub, attracting visitors from across the Western Sydney region and beyond. The park has hosted large-scale events such as the Real Festival, bringing cultural, recreational, and economic benefits to the area. The enhanced design supports local businesses by increasing foot traffic and tourism, solidifying the park’s role as a key public destination.
Reflecting on the project, CONTEXT Director Hamish Dounan emphasised the significance of this transformation:
“Working on legacy projects like Tench Reserve is immensely rewarding. The NSW Government’s Parks for People Program highlights the critical role public spaces play in strengthening communities. It has been an honour to collaborate on a project that will serve generations to come.”
Recognition and Future Impact
The success of Tench Reserve has been widely recognised, with features in leading industry publications such as Architecture AU, Landscape Australia, Architecture + Design, and Outdoor Design Source. As Western Sydney continues to grow, this project serves as a model for future public park designs, showcasing how strategic planning, cultural integration, and innovative landscape architecture can create enduring and beloved community spaces.
- Project typology:
Parks & Open Space
- All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
CONTEXT
- All architecture offices involved in the design:
Hills Thalis, Architecture
- Other credits:
Other designers involved in the design of landscape:
– NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Client
– Hills Thalis, Architecture
– JOC Consulting, Community & Engagement
– Balarinji, Indigenous Design and Strategy
– Stantec, Engineering
– NGH, Heritage
– Birds Tree Consultancy, Arboriculture
– Funktion, Access and Inclusive Design
– GHD, Engineering (wharf)
– CCEP, Play Certification
