Community picnic to celebrate launch of Kings Park artworks

20/5/95

Western Australians are invited to join in a community picnic on Sunday May 21st to celebrate the launch of a major art attraction in Kings Park.

The work transforms parkland along Saw Avenue opposite the pine plantation (the Ernst Witter playground) into an interactive playground for families to enjoy together.

WA artist Helen Taylor was commissioned to design and create the biggest public artworks in the State.  To celebrate on Sunday the park will resound to the sounds of the Midland Brass Band, free tram rides and organised children's games.

The work was funded by the Department for Community Development, Healthway and the Lotteries Commission as a lasting gift to families and a celebration of the Year of the Family.

It was designed to encourage families to explore and discover, enriching each visit to one of Perth's best loved locations.

The unique creation incorporates eight elements that invite families to use the senses of sight, sound and touch.

It includes two sculptures, a maze and sundial, an amphitheatre and an Aboriginal bushfoods garden and Aboriginal mosaics.

A magnificent granite sculpture consists of 15 large polished blocks with images of Kings Park flora and fauna sand etched on to them that also doubles as chess boards.  There is also a Family Tree Circle that signifies the five continents and the family of the world.

The sundial is based on a 300 BC Arabian dial redesigned with assistance from the Perth Observatory to tell the time at Kings Park.

The amphitheatre will be available to community groups for performances and to the public to enjoy.

Helen said her work had a focus on nature and conservation to teach people about caring for the environment and preserving the bush.

"I do not think there is anyone in Perth who does not love Kings Park and we wanted to create something that would enrich each visit as people discovered something new each time," she said.

Festivities: 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm; Launch by Community Development and Family Minister Roger Nicholls at 2 pm.

Media contact   Hugh Ryan  221 5468