Aptly named "A Joy Forever", a fascinating new book on the story of Kings Park was launched at Aspects recently by the Minister for the Environment Donna Faragher.
"Kings Park holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Western Australia and it is also a major tourist attraction," Minister Faragher said. "The foresight of the founders of the Swan River colony in setting aside the land for public purposes has proved to be truly remarkable."
Now, the combination of landscaped gardens and such a large area of native bushland in the centre of a capital city make Kings Park unique in a world sense. The new book details the history of Kings Park, from its early struggle to get established to its current status as the most visited tourist destination in Western Australia, an internationally-respected research facility and the State's symbol of the ultimate sacrifice many of its people made in time of war.
The book also tells of the important place the Kings Park land has held in the history of the Nyoongar people of WA. Produced by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, "A Joy Forever" is being sold exclusively through Aspects of Kings Park for $49.95. Also available in-store is jewellery by Dorothy Erickson.
Dorothy Erickson is an artist, naturalist and historian. She brings insights from all three disciplines to bear on her account of the foresight of the founders, the aspirations and dramas of development, the difficulties of the early gardeners, the protests, the victories and finally the achievements of the staff who brought the park to world renown.