Activation? Yes, but not with more concrete
by Shane Sody
A theme that resurfaces every year or so is a call to “activate” the Park Lands.
Armchair experts complain that there’s nothing to do in the Park Lands, so more attractions are needed to lure people into your Open Green Public spaces.
That theme was recycled in the Sunday Mail on 2 January 2022 ($$ subscriber-only link).
Green Adelaide deputy chairwoman Felicity-ann Lewis seems unaware of the many events held regularly in your Adelaide Park Lands. Ms Lewis told the Sunday Mail that your Park Lands are not “living up to their potential” as a family activity magnet and tourism drawcard.
Her suggestions for the Park Lands, reported by the Sunday Mail ($$ subscriber-only link), included pop-up bars, restaurants, and retail spaces.
There are many areas within the Park Lands that are suitable for pop-up events. There is a busy schedule throughout the year of events in places like:
A “Doggy Day Out” in Light Square / Wauwi
The Lucky Dumpling Market in Elder Park, Tarntanya Wama (Park 26)
These events come and go, to the great enjoyment of thousands of people, without resulting in any permanent loss of Open Green Public space.
The Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina (Park 13)
Pop-up urban cycling event (“Boucle de Burbs” in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27)
However the myth of “vibrancy” is often used to disguise or mask something more controversial. The code word “activation” can hide an intended land grab. To capture elusive and short-term “vibrancy” or ”activation” developers usually propose permanent concrete, bricks and mortar, fences, locked doors, and gates so that only paying customers can enter.
These types of “activation” are the very opposite of “Open, Green, Public.”
Sure, let’s have people enjoying the Park Lands - but not by destroying what makes them Parks. If it’s not Open, Green and Public, then “activation”: is just a code word for theft of Park Lands.