Providence Park celebrates First Nations heritage
Parks are not only places for recreational activities and play, but often resonate with cultural significance for the communities they serve.
This was a key principle in the design of Mirrigin Park, situated within Stockland’s Providence community in South-East Queensland.
‘Mirrigin’ is the word for the stars in the Yagarabul language, and so Mirrigin Park was the perfect name for a new park sited in an idyllic location for star gazing.
The park is on a ridgeline with expansive views of Flinders Peak and captures long views over the Ripley Valley by day and opens up expansive views of the sky at night.
Designed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners, the Yuggera and Ugarapul People, Mirrigin Park includes a yarning circle and totem poles crafted by local artists, Jordan and Shaylene Saltner, from Ipswich based company Dynamic Landscapes.
“Mirrigin Park is the heart of the community,” said First Nations artist, Shaylene Saltner.
“The park is surrounded by cultural values, it is a place my ancestors have walked through to reach our sacred lands. I hope everyone feels this deep connection when they visit, as our ancestors welcome them here.”
The design concept aligns with the principles of the Centre for Universal Design Australia, which advocates for a more inclusive world where access, utility and cultural respect are holistically combined in the one place.
“Mirrigin Park stands as a testament to collaboration and cultural respect,” adds Shaylene.
“The four totem poles I painted depict themes of Jundalba (Women’s Place), Mallara (Men’s Area), Ngulle Kurunri (Our Dark Past) and Mirrigin (Stars), and the yarning circle created by my brother Jordan cultivates social connection and learning.”
Mirrigin Park was opened during National Reconciliation Week in May 2024 at a community event which also showcased local performers and a traditional welcome by Nunukul Yuggerra Aboriginal Dancers.
CUSP landscape architect Alexandra Lindsay said Mirrigal Park embodies principles of both social and environmental sustainability.
“From a social sustainability point of view, we were obviously focused on collaboration with the Traditional Owners, and the integration of artwork for the broader community’s enjoyment and in supporting local businesses and artists,” Ms Lindsay said.
“In terms of environmental sustainability, we used rock from the Providence site for the Yarning Circle seating boulders and have used a mostly native, drought tolerant planting palette.”
Native bottle trees and hoop pines feature in the design.
Alexandra Lindsay said the commission was a unique opportunity for CUSP to connect with the Traditional Owners and collaborate on the design concept for the park.
While the yarning circle and totems celebrate the First Nations heritage and traditions, the park also includes play equipment, open kickabout spaces, and exercise facilities.
“The park is there for people to use and enjoy as much as possible,” said Ms Lindsay.
“This is an extension of backyards and living space that connects them to their community and the place they live.”
Stockland Providence is a master planned community in the Ripley Valley which will eventually grow to more than 7000 housing lots over a 700 hectare site, with homes joined by tree lined pathways and green space.
While it is positioned to respond to growing demand for housing in South-East Queensland, the designers have ensured the development acknowledges its First Nations heritage and the spirit of Country.