An award-winning project, with community at the heart of its design
The Wylde MTB and BMX Track is located in the heart of the Western Sydney Parklands on the land of the Gandangara and Darug people. And features more than 15km of purpose-built mountain bike trails, a BMX racetrack and the largest pump track in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Group
Client: Western Sydney Parklands Trust
Studios: Sydney, Australia
Key Facts:
86 hectares
Largest Pump Track in the Southern Hemisphere
15km Mountain Bike Trails
BMX Track
The Team:
Location
Western Sydney Parklands, Cecil Hills, Sydney NSW
Traditional Custodians of the Land
Dharug
Collaborators
MTB and Pump Tracks: Dirtz Tracks and Trailz
Entry Precinct Builder; Ward Civil
Shelters : Fleetwood Urban
Photography
Simon Wood
Stretching over 5,280 hectares, 27 kilometres and through three council areas, Western Sydney Parklands really is Sydney’s Biggest Backyard.
GroupGSA first completed the development of Wylde back in 2013 but were re-engaged in 2018 to relocate the site to accommodate the new M12 Motorway. Having moved the site half a kilometre south from its original location, GroupGSA elevated the initial landscape design, to meet the evolving demands for recreational activity amongst mountain bike and BMX riders.
Connecting the new location to the community was a major consideration to the design. A new road was built to connect the new site address at Range Road to Elizabeth Drive, and create a new gate way for the southern parklands.
The design integrates each built element into the landscape, providing robust and refined structures which respond to the overall aesthetic of park. Designed for the whole community to enjoy, the site includes free parking, BBQ and picnic facilities, toilets, bike washing stations and multiple shelters providing a shady spot to sit and rest.
The multi-purpose shelters were relocated from the previous site to provide a sustainable solution to the new design.
At the head of the precinct is a new asphalt pump track – boasting the longest jump runs in the southern hemisphere. The design caters for juniors to advanced riders and provides a space to warm-up and practise before venturing out into the parkland.
When hitting the trails there are 17 tracks designed for various skill levels which weave in and out of the Cumberland Plain Bushlands. Each purpose-built track features a mix of creative landscaping, built forms and signs and trail markers to guide riders through the terrain.
The expansion of the precinct has allowed for increased visitor numbers and community activation. Local groups such as the Western Sydney’s BMX Club – regularly occupy the park for track days and training nights.
As a Director and landscape architect, John oversees our Landscape Architecture business, managing the team, design, and project delivery. He has extensive experience in a wide range of sectors and at various scales, gained over many years of multi-disciplinary work in Australia, the UK, and Southeast Asia, which informs his leadership. John also leads our Cities and Places sector team, focusing on projects such as Master Planned Communities, Public Domain, and Recreation, many of which have received awards and industry recognition for their innovative design and positive community impact.
