From bare thoroughfare to vibrant community gem

8 July 2024

Lotterywest grant to develop underutilised park into a place of reflection
Local resident’s vison grows into neighbourhood resource

Joondalup MP, Emily Hamilton, recently joined the Edgewater community to plant a tree and present a $15,000 Lotterywest grant to the Lakeview Contemplation Garden community group.

Lakeview Contemplation Garden at Lakeview Park is the vision of local man, John Tostevin, who saw the community connection potential of a native garden in a nearby council open space. At the time, the park had a few trees at one end of 755 square metres of patchy dry grass and weeds.

Mr Tostevin initiated the presentation of a petition to City of Joondalup, showing community support for a WA native plant garden on the site. Proposed planting includes trees, flowering shrubs and grasses to provide a year-round food source and shelter for birds and insects.

A Memorandum of Understanding has now been negotiated with Council and groundworks have begun, with the creation of winding paths and garden beds, as well as hand-removal of weeds and grass runners.

While many plants have been secured through donations and grants, it is a large area to fill. The Lotterywest grant will help cover the cost of pathogen-free mulch which is a requirement for City of Joondalup. The funding will also provide for soil improvement, seating, water tanks and more plants.

Mr Tostevin was supported in his quest by Edgewater Community Residents’ Association (ECRA).

Many ECRA members and other Edgewater residents have become members of a Lakeview Contemplation Garden group (LCG) and are actively involved in the project, which is building a great sense of community.

The Lakeview Contemplation Garden group hold regular weekend busy bees. The next one is a Planet Ark National Tree Day planting on Sunday, 28 July 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Ballajura Scouts will be coming along to help plant over 200 tube stock.

Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:

"I’m so pleased to present a Lotterywest grant to Lakeview Contemplation Garden Inc.for the development of this wonderful community amenity.

"Lakeview Contemplation Garden is becoming a place for locals to come together and work on a project that will increase community connection with the natural environment and become a place or people to spend time."

Comments attributed to John Tostevin:

"My vision for Lakeview Contemplation Garden is that it becomes a place of rest, contemplation and connecting with others.

“This Lotterywest grant will facilitate the transformation from an underutilised piece of land into a beautiful garden that has a positive effect on those who visit."