McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve Master Plan Update

The McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve site is set against the backdrop of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River), with popular cycle and pedestrian paths, wide open grassed areas, and a plethora of mature leafy trees and plants. Recently, the site has undergone significant development with the addition of the Boorloo Bridge and the McCallum Park Active Area, enhancing the area for the community and increasing connectivity between the Town of Victoria Park (the Town) and Perth city.

The McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve master plan aims to create a vision for new high-quality spaces within the area, connect the parkland and the river, and create a destination for locals and the broader community.

Master plan design objectives:

A place for everyone: The proposed design intends to create a space for Vic Park locals and a premier destination that attracts visitors. The site will provide a range of activities for all ages.
River connection: A key driver for the design is to draw people into the park and promote the space. Further, the design aims to connect the park and community to the river, the river to nature, and provide a habitat for native fauna.
The destination: Create a sense of place and a functional, logical way to navigate around the area. The design aims to encourage and support pedestrian connectivity, through elements such as shaded walkways and improved access and parking.
Health and wellbeing: The design will build upon the current recreational and sport usage of the site, promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
Recognise and celebrate First Nations cultural heritage and Caring for Country: Incorporate culturally informed design elements and investigate opportunities to restore Mindeera Spring as a significant cultural and environmental feature.

Image: Concept master plan by Urbis 2017

Cultural heritage of the area

Mindeera Spring

The Town is investigating the feasibility of and options for the daylighting of Mindeera Spring. Currently the Mindeera Spring runs through an underground stormwater drain within the McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve area. First Nations Elders have knowledge of the freshwater spring and recent investigations have found it is flowing into the drainage system.

The Town is looking into turning one of the underground drains in McCallum Park into a daylighted Mindeera Spring ‘living stream’. This might look similar to the Hurlingham Living Stream project by City of South Perth in nearby Sir James Mitchell Park. The living stream would help to clean and filter storm water before it flows into the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River), thus improving the health of the river.

Take a look at this video created in collaboration with Kartwarra Productions, which talks about the Mindeera Spring alongside the new artwork it inspired at McCallum Park Active Area.

Dual naming for McCallum Park

An action of our Reconciliation Action Plan is to investigate and develop dual naming processes and opportunities.

Dual naming McCallum Park means it will have a Noongar name, whilst retaining its English name. The Noongar name will recognise and celebrate First Nations cultural heritage, drawing from cultural knowledge and stories of the site.

Place Names research for McCallum Park is being done in consultation Traditional Owners, Elders and knowledge holders. The dual naming process is expected to be finalised in late-2026 - stay tuned for more information.

What's being proposed as part of the master plan?

Planting design:

Planting to complement the existing character and flora of the site, using predominantly native species and incorporating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD).
Promote a landscape that reflects the cultural values, history and ongoing custodianship of First Nations peoples while enhancing ecological function through opportunities to restore natural systems, including investigating the feasibility of daylighting the Mindeera Spring.

Parkland and event space: large areas of existing parkland and open space to be retained to enable social gatherings and events.

River edge: upgrading river edge treatments, such as:

Gentle grading to river edge and increasing native planting, aimed to reduce erosion.
Addition of seating and gathering areas adjacent to the river, with educational signage to encourage pause points.
Beach areas or river access to provide direct access to the water.

Activity hub: the heart of the site, drawing visitors to the area. The design concept provides ‘something for everyone’, with new well-lit pathways, parking, and active zones to increase a sense of safe usable spaces. Part of the Activity Hub has been delivered as part of the McCallum Park Active Area.

What's happened so far?

2002: McCallum Park / Taylor Reserve Landscape Concept Plan Report was prepared.
2017: Taylor Reserve and McCallum Park Master Plan and Concept Report was prepared.
2018: River edge upgrades and maintenance works were undertaken by the Town.
2024: Boorloo Bridge and surrounding path network and landscaping was delivered by Main Roads WA.
2025: McCallum Park Active Area (Pump Track and Skate Park) was completed by the Town.
2025: McCallum Cultural Mapping and Place Names project completed by the Town with local Elders and Knowledge Holders.
2026: Dual naming workshop for McCallum Park, with local Elders and Knowledge Holders.

What's happening now?

The current McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve master plan was produced in 2017. A review and update to the master plan is now being undertaken to encompass the recent development at the site, including the Boorloo Bridge and McCallum Park Active Area.

The Town is also investigating the options for the daylighting of Mindeera Spring. Currently the Mindeera Spring runs through an underground drain within the McCallum Park and Taylor Reserve area, and we are investigating turning this into a ‘living stream’ and incorporating this as part of the master plan.

Stay tuned for more information as this project progresses.