Students discover sustainability secrets at Rupert Street pocket park
The Rupert Street pocket park, which was officially opened to the public in February 2026, features a wide range of sustainable and environmentally conscious features.
From solar-powered park lights and a swale for water runoff to a ‘Cockitrough’ bird-watering station, there are plenty of hidden and not-so-hidden elements that keep the park running smoothly.
Year 5 students from Subiaco Primary School were given a special sustainability-themed tour of the park this week, and had the opportunity to hear directly from the park’s landscape architect, Julian Croudace from Propagule Consulting, about what makes it so unique.
During these sustainability workshops, students toured the park and identified elements that fit under the categories ‘recycle’, ‘restore’, ‘re-use’, and ‘retain’.
Design elements under each category that were discovered included;
· Recycle: Recycled building materials including old bricks, rocks and logs to create walking paths and seating; and recycling limestone instead of cement in concrete to reduce greenhouse gases.
· Restore: Removing invasive weeds to allow native plants to thrive; planting plants and flowers the reflect Aboriginal culture and support seasonal biodiversity; installing a stormwater swale to collect rainwater that will nourish trees; and ensuring plantlife can serve as pollinators and food sources for native wildlife.
· Re-use: Collecting and reusing rainwater through a water tank to keep plants healthy during dry periods; installing flexible asphalt pathways that are designed to accommodate tree roots and avoid damange; and placing a ‘Cockitrough’ bird bath as a safe drinking place for birds.
· Retain: Protecting existing trees to avoid damage to trunks and roots; installing low-bollard lighting to avoid disturbing birds in the tree canopy; using low-water drip irrigation to efficiently water plants and minimise water usage; use energy-efficient solar lighting to reduce light pollution; and create a no-plastic playground to reduce environmental impact.
Read more about the Rupert Street pocket park on the City’s website.