Buckley's Lake was a water feature in the western part of present-day John August Reserve. It was part of the remains of a former brickworks near the corner of Mont Albert and Rochester Roads.[1]
History
A brickworks formerly owned by Frank Buckley closed. The adjacent land, containing open space and a deep pit for disposing of waste materials, was eventually bought by Camberwell Council in 1928 after lobbying from Mr. Buckley. It was formerly renamed to 'Willow Glen', but continued to be known as Buckley's Lake.[2]
Numerous drownings and other concerns caused residents to lobby the Camberwell Council to address safety issues. In 1930, the Balwyn Ratepayers' League wrote to the Council requesting that fencing be erected to prevent children playing around the lake from falling in and drowning. However, councillors disagreed that such measures were necessary, and the matter was referred to the municipal engineer for consideration.[3]
Some maintenance and beautification works were undertaken was part of wider municipal works in 1936.[2]
References
- ↑ Lyall, Ken. 'The John August Reserve'. Balwyn Historical Society:Balwyn. February 2009. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~balwynhs/newsletters/letters/articles_08-09.pdf, accessed: 25 June 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 City of Boroondara. 'Camberwell Conservation Study Volume 2'. February 1990. pg.89.
- ↑ The Age. 'Buckley's Lake, Balwyn'. 24 May 1930. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203080608, accessed: 25 June 2016.