Sunset Park
Part of Henry Halloran’s legacy were his Garden City subdivisions. His subdivisions work with nature rather than against it. Large areas of vegetation were retained. His subdivisions recognise the value of trees, parks and gardens to the physical and mental well-being of their inhabitants.
Sunset Park and Meridian Park are two examples of these Garden City principles. These two parks are both located in the Tanilba Estate subdivision.
Henry’s subdivisions were aesthetically more pleasing and more interesting than the chessboard design in other subdivisions in the 1920s and 1930s.
Parks & reserves in green
Entrance 1950s
Entrance 2023
The inclusion of huge amounts of public space; parks, squares, reserves, play and picnic grounds encouraged social interaction.
Facilities & Structures in Sunset Park
This park was the focus for many of Henry Hallorans grand plans. A pavilion was constructed for dances and entertainment, but unfortunately long since gone.
There were stone benches, picnic tables and fireplaces which had all been built in Sunset Park by 1932. The fireplace and one of the seats are modelled on one example of a lime kiln which was used to burn oyster shells to make lime for the mortar used in the construction of Taniba House.
He also built swings, a sing-boat, a swing plank, see-saw, and a merry-go-round in the picnic grounds at Sunset Park.
Table & circular seat 1930s
Table & circular seats 1930s
Now
Structures by Henry F Halloran
Picnic Facilities in Sunset Park
Gardens & Plant Restoration
A number of garden beds and trees in this park have been developed, planted, and are maintained by a Port Stephens Council volunteer group since 2018.
After removing weeds such as lantana & asparagus fern garden beds were outlined & mulched. Some garden edges were added to define the new gardens.
