Johnson Park

After a year-long makeover, much-loved Johnson Park in Sydney’s Inner West has reopened with new play spaces, public art and robust street furniture. The park provides a key link to the newly completed 6km GreenWay corridor—a car-free walking and cycling route connecting the Cooks River to Sydney Harbour.

ASPECT Studios Associate and Landscape Architect Georgia Brennan led the transformation, balancing a vision for an inclusive, active public realm with the practical constraints of a public project.

“The main vision for the project was to create an active transport link, with parks and playgrounds along the way, and for it to be fully accessible for pedestrians and cyclists,” says Brennan.

Built for durability & low maintenance

Navigating budget limitations while maintaining the design intent required a thoughtful mix of street furniture across the site. Street Furniture Australia’s Classic, Linea, and Park ranges were selected to elevate key nodes and create distinct places to pause.

Given that this corridor is expected to experience heavy foot traffic, long-term maintenance was a key priority for Council. Rather than natural hardwood, which requires oiling every three months, Wood Without Worry Spotted Gum battens were chosen for their durability, offering the long-lasting, premium appearance of hardwood while being extremely low maintenance. Matching frames create a cohesive look across the furniture suite.

Ensuring universal accessibility

Accessibility was another key consideration, particularly beneath an existing shade structure in the barbecue areas where space was limited.

Park Table Settings with single-end DDA access allow wheelchair users to pull up comfortably, while Park Seats and Benches with taller legs provide easier access for visitors of different ages. Armless and armrest configurations offer additional seating options to suit a range of mobility needs.

Supporting play and active transport

Beyond the dining areas, furniture placement actively supports community life. The addition of Classic Plaza Platforms creates informal spaces for children to climb, sit, and socialise within the play environment. Along the GreenWay rest stops, standalone and plinth-mounted Linea Seats give pedestrians and parents comfortable viewpoints to watch over active areas.

Nearby, Linea Bollards, Escola Bins, and Semi Hoops provide essential everyday amenities for cyclists and commuters transitioning off the main path.

Reflecting on the final outcome, Brennan notes that the collaboration with Street Furniture Australia was instrumental in delivering the landscape vision within the scope.

“All of our vision boxes were ticked,” says Brennan. “Being able to deliver so much restoration work while building a whole bunch of new active transport infrastructure on a tight budget is a major win.”

Half a year after reopening, Johnson Park is now a popular gathering place at the heart of the Dulwich Hill community. From play and picnics to passing through along the GreenWay, the park is a much-loved place that feels distinctly its own.