Right: Designer Jon Coe, left, got a resounding vote of approval for his labyrinth design from steering committee members Julia Peddie, Merran Macs and Dale Howard.By Kath Gannaway
THE design for a labyrinth to be built at Healesville has been finalised … and overwhelmingly approved.
Healesville-based international designer Jon Coe worked with the Labyrinth Steering Committee to produce the design which was recently approved by the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
The estimated total cost of the project will be $150,000.
Mr Coe, who designs zoological parks and botanical gardens around the world, said he had been inspired by the synergy of everybody coming together to create a labyrinth which would be unique to Healesville.
The labyrinth will be built in the parkland adjacent to Healesville Railway Station and will incorporate features including a rain garden and wetland, solar gates, pathways, a grape arbour, seating and picnic benches.
He said the challenge in coming up with a design was in trying to discover the nature of the place itself and what sort of exciting ideas it could employ.
“It can be a gathering place, an art place, a place of celebration or a place of tranquillity that can bring people in, not only from here, but from other places as well.”
Designing a relatively small community project was very rewarding, he said.
“Whether a project is big or small is not important to me, whether it’s innovative and builds bridges to the users in the community, that’s what is important.”
Raising the money for the project, a partnership with Eastern Access Community Health through Rivendell and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is the next step.
Project coordinator Julia Peddie said the steering committee is working on a number of ideas and have started by putting a display, including the design plans, at Healesville Library.
“We are asking for help with materials, from people who have building skills, we are looking for business sponsorship and in particular are keen to have a major sponsor for the labyrinth,” Ms Peddie said.
People will have the chance to buy a brick in the labyrinth, or a plaque and merchandise on sale at Rivendell will also help raise funds.
An open day at Rivendell in Badger Creek Road on Thursday will provide an opportunity for people to find out more about the project, and how best to contribute to its success.
Yarra Ranges Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae, said the project was an exciting development for the Tourist Precinct which includes the parkland, Healesville Railway Station and the Tourist Information Centre.
“One of the things which has impressed me is how it seems to have been embraced by a lot of people across the community, not just by the organising group.
“It has a mental health, as well as a recreational perspective, and will also be a tourist attraction,” Cr McRae said.
“It will be a lot of things to a lot of people.”
