Rosanna Parklands (Rosanna)

Rosanna Parklands is a 25 hectare reserve with a mix of open space, recreation and bushland areas. It is used for walking, dog off lead areas, jogging, cycling and picnicking.

Activities in the park include a playground, walking/bike trails and wildlife observation.

History

James Watson bought Crown Portion Five in 1840, subdividing the land and calling it Rosanna Estate It passed through different owners before being turned into a golf course in the early 1900s.

In 1969, Heidelberg Council sold 53 acres to John Ridge and David Yencken of Merchant Builders. These two builders, understanding connections between the built and natural environments, employed architect Graham Gunn who was known for his environmentally aware design. In turn, Gunn suggested Ellis Stones as a consultant to design and develop the residential landscapes. Stones's environmental vision is responsible for the current reserve, and plaques recognising the former golf course and Ellis Stone can be found in the park.

Flora and Fauna

The reserve's 2 vegetation communities are plains grassy woodland, exposed plain slope-river red gum and plains grassy woodland, terrace valley-river red gum. The remnant bushland areas have a diverse mix of indigenous species. Areas of natural interest include the Davies Street wetlands and the northern grasslands where indigenous grasses and herbs have been reintroduced.

4 species of frogs have been heard calling in the wetlands, including the common froglet, eastern banjo frog/pobblebonk, spotted marsh frog and the southern brown tree frog. Many birds and reptiles use the reserve for shelter and food, including yellow-tailed black cockatoos from August and September.