Conservatory c. 1929
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Central Park, East Malvern is a classic English style park laid out in a conventional nineteenth century town-square design. Land for the park was purchased in 1906 by the Malvern Council for £5,000, having previously been used by two golf clubs, firstly (Royal) Melbourne Golf Club and then Caulfield Golf Club (which later became Metropolitan Golf Club). While a number of buildings have been constructed and later removed over the parks history, the fundamental layout of the park has not changed in almost 100 years.
The Central Park Conservatory was erected in 1927 at a cost of £3,500. Located on an artificial mound originally intended for planting, the conservatory was an important addition and focus for the Park. The north and south wings were intended for seasonal displays of annuals to be viewed through the glass. The large central section was originally open to the public and held permanent displays of palms, ferns, aspidistras and tropical plants as well as changing displays of annuals. A hot water circulating system was installed to supply the necessary heat and wooden roller blinds were fitted to give the necessary shade. The Conservatory was added to Victoria’s Historic Register by the Historic Buildings Council in 1992.
As well as gardens the park includes a large playing field, John Landy Oval. Landy, who lived opposite the park from 1937, used the park as a training venue leading up to his world records in 1954 and participation in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The Oval was named after him in 1997.
Further historical information about the park can be found at: http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/library/online/history_malvern_central_park.htm
The Cache
February 2008
Due to the removal of the tree that the original cache was hidden in I've changed the cache to a micro. The cache is a camouflaged film canister hidden on the Conservatory. It is not in a garden nor do you need to leave the path to reach it. Approaching the cache maybe be tricky during the park's busy times, which are many! Be wary of morning joggers and dog walkers; on weekday mornings Mum and the kid’s might be at the nearby playground; weekends will bring families to picnic in the park; and finally cricket and soccer games are frequently held on the oval. As with all caches please be careful not to be seen and rehide the cache exactly as you found it with the canister lid up and the whole cache pushed up into the hiding location.
NOTE: Some spoiler images in logs will misdirect your search! Don't believe everything you see!
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