Australia is rethinking the role of its parks and gardens. No longer just green spaces for pic-nics and exercise, parks are increasingly being thought of as community hubs and places where our sense of place is defined and reinforced. 

202020 Vision, a national initiative aimed at increasing urban green space by 20% by 2020, has partnered with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) in forming an exhibition of 13 parks, and explores the concept that parks can also have cultural benefits.

A national jury selected 13 parks that are changing Australia, and they form the basis of the exhibition at the National Museum of Australia. 

The jury also selected 10 parks from each of Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, images of which will be displayed at Virgin Australia lounges. 

Environmental scientist and TV presenter Josh Byrne, who is a 202020 Vision advocate says parks improve our quality of life. 

“For many, the Australian lifestyle has been synonymous with parks like it is with beaches. Whether it's playing cricket or footy at the local park, or walking the dog, open areas of green space have provided great value to our quality of life,” said Byrne.

Byrne said parks are also increasingly providing opportunities for "local food production".

Shahana McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, says park design has evolved to reflect their new uses.

“Public projects have become more than just some nice greenery, a bench or generic playground," she said. 

Open spaces "can be a place where the modern and past co-exist, a place where they can offer deep and significant cultural recognition while respecting the values of people from all walks of life,” she said.

Byrne says the rise of apartment living means parks play a greater than ever role in people's lives. 

“As more people live in our city and with smaller backyards, the role of well thought-out parks, green spaces and civic spaces will continue to grow more and more important,” he said.

The Parks Changing Australia exhibition is the work of AILA and its partners; 202020 Vision, Wood Solutions, Austral Bricks, Austral Masonry, Lawn Solutions, and Green Building Council Australia.

The 13 parks are:

• The National Arboretum, ACT

Image: John Gollings.

• Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
• Australian Garden in Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, VIC
• North Terrace, SA
• South Bank Parklands, QLD
• Ballast Point, NSW
• Western Sydney Parklands, NSW
• Birrarung Marr, VIC
• Paddington Reservoir, NSW
• Roma Street Parklands, QLD
• Darwin Waterfront, NT
• MONA Art Gallery, TAS
• Brookfield Place, WA

The exhibition runs until 30 April 2017, and is being held at Circa Corridor, National Museum of Australia. For more information click here.

See also:

Australia's best playground - ever

Vertical gardens on the rise

Gardens add value