John Knight Memorial Park

An oasis of water and vegetation in Belconnen

• Location
• Facilities
• History
• In memory of one of Canberra's first Senators
• An informal design emphasising water and vegetation
• A park for the people of Belconnen
• Reference
  

Location

Located on the eastern foreshores of Lake Ginninderra, accessible from Aikman Drive.

• A map showing Belconnen with the location of John Knight Memorial Park marked.
• A map of John Knight Memorial Park.

Facilities

Picnic areas, public toilets and a playground.

History

John Knight Memorial Park is the most developed part of the Lake Ginninderra's foreshore parklands being a central green oasis created with the help of the lake's water for the people of Belconnen, and where Australian native and exotic species have been skilfully blended.

In memory of one of Canberra's first Senators

The park is associated with the contemporary history of the National Capital and in particular with Belconnen. It was named on Canberra Day 12 March 1982 after the late Senator John Knight (1943-1981) who, as Chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Capital Territory, played a major role in ensuring the preservation of much of the shores of Lake Ginninderra for public recreation.

The origins of the park go back to the 1960s when the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) proceeded with advanced tree planting (mostly natives) in then grazing land, however further development did not commence until the mid 1970s after the completion of filling of Lake Ginninderra in 1974. The park took its present form in the 1980s as a result of a major program of construction arising out of the Parliamentary Joint Committee's considerations about the Lake's foreshores under the leadership of Senator John Knight.

An informal design emphasising water and vegetation

Water has been used in various ways in the park's design. On the one hand the lakeshore promenade, with its island and model boat jetty provides pedestrian and cyclist opportunities for quiet enjoyment at the water's edge, while on the other hand the northern valley's cascades and waterfalls provide for water play and the upper water garden is the place for quiet contemplation and education.

The memorial, at the park's centre, to the late Senator Knight comprises a quiet contemplative area overlooking the lake. A sitting area with a pergola for climbing plants has been provided, while a curved stone wall encloses a circular space in which is a large sundial. Groups of fruit and nut trees are planted nearby.

There is no provision for swimming, which is provided for at the Western Ginninderra Foreshores.

A park for the people of Belconnen

As John Knight Memorial Park matures and the population in its catchment increases, it is becoming more popular particularly at weekends. It has become a popular venue for family and large group gatherings.

The contemporary design which blends successfully water and vegetation is an appropriate recognition for a person who did so much to achieve an outstanding open space system for Belconnen.

Reference

Gray, J (1997) The Historical and Cultural Background of Selected Urban Parks in Canberra.