by Loine Sweeney

Sometimes you can forget to look up when you’re walking in the Park Lands, especially if you’re deep in thought, unwinding, exercising or talking with friends. 

“But then you do. You see how beautiful the tree next to you is, stretching up into the sky and lending you its shade, offering its branches to the birds and other wildlife.” 

Barbara Preston, poet, writer and former Hills dweller is taking one of her regular exercise walks through the Park Lands, starting from her home in Hurtle Square / Tangkaira.

Adelaide’s planned city Squares and Park Lands and the nature they bring into the city loomed large in Barbara Preston’s thinking when she and her husband, Paul decided to move into the square mile of the City.

The former Hills dweller now enjoys living in Hurtle Square / Tangkaira, which features a word sculpture, by Anton Hart (installed in 2003) characterising it as “The Forest of Dreams.” Each quarter of the Square displays one of the words, with Barbara, Paul and their dog, Birdy, serendipitously living in the “Dreams” quarter. 

The Square provides them not only with nature on their doorstep, but also the first green ‘stepping stones’ for Barbara’s round journey into Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) walking north through King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina (Park 15) and into Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14), observing the new hatches of ducklings as she circumnavigates the Rymill Park lake.

”I can’t imagine not having this in the City of Adelaide,” she says. “I spend so much time here. And in the more natural stretches, I can feel like I’m out in the country, the Australian bush.”

“I look at all the trees and pick them out, almost like I’m looking for the perfect gum tree. But that’s an impossible task, with many great specimens to choose from!”

Since she’s had the opportunity to spend time in the Park Lands, Barbara has come to the view that they are so very important for bringing wildlife into the heart of the city. “They can build their homes here; it’s a refuge for them, really.”

Although she may be walking fast for her fitness regime, Barbara finds the serene setting may send her deep into thought. “When that happens, I can suddenly hear the birds and realize that I’ve been almost ignoring them. Then I’ll look around, and up, of course!” 

And there can be a kaleidoscope of bird colour and song - Rainbow Lorikeets, Adelaide Rosellas, Magpies, Galahs and the soaring, squawking Corellas!

Barbara’s tip to visitors to the Park Lands and Squares: “Do look up!”