by Carla Caruso

Farmers have a saying that you can’t kill an animal that you name. 

It’s why we recently christened some of the trees destined for destruction on the banks of the River Torrens – including ‘Miguel’ the Mexican fan palm and ‘Alexa’ the Aleppo pine. (Check out our article here.)

Photos: Yuri Poetzel

Premier Steven Marshall has threatened hundreds of trees in Helen Mayo Park to build a proposed $660 million stadium there (aka “Riverbank Arena”).

But park-lovers online have been throwing their support behind protecting the Park 27 site.

Instagrammer Sue Lewis shared the below pic, with the comment: “Rowers on the River Torrens, majestic trees of Helen Mayo Park, and walking and cycling tracks in the background … all potentially lost – stolen – if the proposed and unnecessary stadium is pushed through.”

Her post drew comments from followers like: “It’s such a lovely spot and would be so sad to lose,” and “It would be a criminal act.” Plus: “Hope it is saved!”

Another Instagrammer, known as ‘Adelaide Writer’, also shared a pic online, below. She wrote: “This magnificent tree is one of many at risk of destruction if the planned and unnecessary stadium by Premier Steven Marshall goes ahead. 

“Helen Mayo Park is part of the heritage-listed Adelaide Park Lands and must not be allowed to be developed and lost to current and future generations.”

She tagged the Premier in her post.

Helen Mayo Park is named after one of South Australia’s most famous women - a pioneer in medicine and health education.

This Valentine’s Day (February 14), can you help spread the love by sharing park pics of your own via social media?

Photos: Yuri Poetzel

Another way to help is by taking part in our Clean Up a Park Day event at Helen Mayo Park on Sunday, March 6 – just 13 days’ before the State election, at which the park’s fate is a very real issue.

Come along and help clear litter from the site. Clean Up kits, including gloves and bags, will be provided. Register here.

We’d love to see you there!