Protect this site, Labor urged
by Shane Sody
North Adelaide residents have issued an urgent appeal to two prominent Labor figures in a bid to save this Open Green Public space in Denise Norton Park / Pardipardinyilla (Park 2).
Open woodland in Denise Norton Park / Pardipardinyilla (Park 2) threatened by plans for a new Aquatic Centre
Two days before the State election, residents of Barton Terrace West in North Adelaide met with Labor's Lucy Hood, the party's candidate for the seat of Adelaide, and Emily Bourke, MLC who is Labor's Shadow Minister for Local Government and the City of Adelaide.
From left: Labor’s Emily Bourke and Lucy Hood, with local residents Cecilia, Peter, Stan and Val.
Peter Fenwick, who organised the meeting, urged Ms Hood and Ms Bourke to support the push for World Heritage listing of your Park Lands.
He also wanted to show the two Labor women how much local residents value the peace and serenity of this haven of biodiversity in the south-eastern corner of this Park. This corner of Park 2 has been designated by the City Council as its preferred location for a new Aquatic Centre.
The City Council’s preferred site for a new Aquatic Centre and car park in Denise Norton Park / Pardinyilla (Park 2). The plans threaten open woodland on the site, and a century-old Port Jackson fig tree.
SA Labor has promised that if elected to Government, it would rebuild a new regional Aquatic Centre somewhere near the site of the current Aquatic Centre. The party has promised to consult with the community on possible locations.
In discussions with Ms Hood and Ms Bourke, Mr Fenwick emphasized that the preferred option for local residents was to relocate a new aquatic centre on a site away from the Park Lands, and reclaim the land of the current Aquatic Centre as restored Open Green Public space.
Labor’s Emily Bourke and Lucy Hood, with local residents (from L); Val, Stan, Peter and Cecilia
The electorate of Adelaide includes inner northern suburbs such as Prospect, Fitzroy, Thorngate and Medindie, including vacant car yards on Main North Road, one or more of which might be considered as an alternative site for a new Aquatic Centre.
Vacant commercial sites on Main North Rd at Medindie. If the State Government chose to pursue this option, the sites could be repurposed for a new Aquatic Centre allowing Park 2 to be returned to Open Green Public. Image: Google Streetview
Residents received no assurances from Ms Bourke and Ms Hood, other than a commitment to begin full consultation on a proposed site if SA Labor was elected to Government.