The Butterfly Aviary entry may not get up but wouldn’t it be lovely? Images: ACT Government.
A butterfly aviary or pavilion on City Hill? Now that’s an idea.
Imagine entering the warm, green confines in the middle of a Canberra winter and being embraced by a kaleidoscope of colour and the soft wings of a butterfly as it alights on your shoulder.
Almost therapeutic.
Alas, expect something more prosaic.
Consultation has closed on what the public might like to do with the until recently rabbit-infested mound that provides visual relief from the roads around it and a focus for the city but is hardly used.
The ACT Government wants to make City Hill park a more welcoming, comfortable and engaging space that acknowledges its heritage, including its Ngunnawal connections.
Its heritage listing meant that ideas needed to respect and reinforce the current design and role, and the flagpole and Canberra Centenary Obelisk be retained.
But that didn’t stop people of all ages and abilities coming up with some novel suggestions and stretching the boundaries.
From kids’ drawings and paintings to intricate graphic designs, contributors have given the government plenty to think about.
For some, that hill is just begging for some underground treatment.
One envisaged an underground electric bus route and station with a commercial precinct with lifts to the surface where people could take a sculpture walk.
Another public transport-inspired idea proposed an underground light rail loop with skylit subways. And of course an underground car park had to be there.
Others solved the pedestrian access problem with sky bridges across Vernon Circle.
Some proposals had little love for the conifers, wanting a native garden or a rewilding of the hill to promote biodiversity.
This submission involves native perennials to encourage biodiversity and connect the community to nature.
Then there were the pools, one indoor and another below ground bathed in sunshine from a skylight.
What about a spiral walking and running track to the summit and Indigenous yarning circles?
One design included 3D gateways at the six entrances with platform lookouts.
The most common infrastructure suggested was furniture such as benches and tables, and some sort of food and beverage offering, whether that be a cafe or pop-up facility and playgrounds.
One kid’s submission said simply: skate park, sandpit and swings.
But a couple included sport or fitness areas, and a yoga/meditation zen zone, specifically for older people.
Others wanted an amphitheatre and stage for community events.
For the the puzzle fans and the contemplative, there was an earth-wall maze and labyrinth.
The government will now assess the submissions and provide feedback on the next steps.
The consultation will also inform the Canberra Civic and Cultural District and help the government understand the park’s role between the Acton Waterfront development, the Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment and connecting light rail.
To view all the submissions visit the YourSay website.
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