by Carla Caruso
Plans are being made to repeat APA’s recent ‘Park Lands Loop Collective’ event, which was staged on Sunday 3 October.
From 9am, a group of 30 braved the showers – and the start of daylight saving – to walk, scooter, run or ride a 15.5km loop around Adelaide, completely through Park Lands.
A bunch of Loopers set off at 9am while others joined in later.
The meeting point was at Himeji Garden in Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra (Park 18). Throughout the day, a similar number did the loop on their own, to their own schedule.
Participants could do as little or as much of the loop as they wanted. All were encouraged to wear some green and share the fun with photos marked #parklandsloop.
Those undertaking the full distance went from Himeji Garden and back again.
Attendees looped through green space the entire way - including this portion of the loop in King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina (Park 15).
Organiser and APA committee member Kate Treloar said: “I’ve always loved the idea of iconic walks. In SA, we have many, from the epic Heysen Trail through to climbing Mount Lofty.
“I’m stunned the Adelaide Park Lands aren’t really seen as one of those walks you should do.
Park Lands Loop Collective creator and coordinator Kate Treloar, right, walking in Carriageway Park / Tuthangga (Park 17).
“It’s a real shame, because a loop of the city is perfect for it – accessible, plenty of facilities (toilets and cafes), beautiful, safe, and easily adaptable to suit the needs of participants.
“It’s an incredible resource to have encircling a CBD.
“For years, I’ve thought ‘The Loop’ could become an iconic annual event, including everything from serious runners/cyclists racing for the top spot, through to families with prams and dogs just enjoying a day out … much like the City to Bay [fun run] caters for all levels and is a classic Adelaide event.
“So, the Parklands Loop Collective was a starting point. The interest and positive feedback this year was great, so I would like to do it again next autumn – hopefully, we’ll get better weather.”
Anybody interested can be added to the mailing list by contacting Kate at katerosetreloar@gmail.com or by following the Facebook page, Park Lands Loop Walkers.
APA hosts regular Guided Walks for exploring just one Park at a time. See the schedule here.
Some Loopers enjoyed fuelling up along the way, from Rymill Park kiosk Colada (above) to Cafe Bonython.
The Loop incorporated sights like the lake in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14).
Organiser Kate Treloar hopes to make the Loop a regular event, encouraging exploration and enjoyment of your amazing Park Lands.
