Steve Hammond Principal
Steven has over 15 years’ experience in landscape architecture with a project focus on the public domain that ranges from strategic to detailed design, documentation and realisation.
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 Team:
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.
