by Carla Caruso
Continuing our series, celebrating those who frequent your Park Lands, we introduce Jaynie Francis-Sandford.
The 40-year-old mum and hobbyist photographer from Elizabeth Downs enjoys regular park outings, often accompanied by her young son. The Adelaide Zoo in Park 11 is among their favourite spots to visit.
This month, we chatted to Jaynie to find out more about her affinity with the Park Lands — and why one other park is particularly dear to her heart.
Jaynie’s son climbs the steps at Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27). Photo: Jaynie Francis-Sandford.
Hi, Jaynie. Why do you love capturing images of the Adelaide Park Lands?
I’m a nature lover, and Adelaide, as a city, has some of the most beautiful, natural features within its Park Lands that you don’t tend to get in other states.
It’s great to see a city that has been dedicating itself to being a greener city overall.
Capturing the essence of this in pictures is just a small part of my appreciation of this.
Captain Jolley's Paddleboats line the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri. Photo: Jaynie Francis-Sandford.
How often do you frequent the Park Lands?
I try to get into the city every couple of months, with my son in tow, who enjoys the adventure. We often catch the train and make a day out of it.
We are always seeking out Park Lands and nature reserves all around Adelaide and its surrounds. The city has the added benefit of [allowing us] to visit several parks in one day, as they are conveniently close to one another.
The outskirts of Veale Gardens, close to the pavilion, in Park 21. Photo: Jaynie Francis-Sandford.
Which park in the Adelaide Park Lands is your favourite?
It depends on how I’m feeling on a particular day, but the Botanic Garden [Park 11] is up there for the diversity seen each changing season.
Rymill Park [Murlawirrapurka / Park 14] and Bonython Park [Tulya Wardli / Park 27] are also loved for sentimental reasons, such as [the memory of] eloping with my husband, and for treasured music events like the Soundwave music festival.
The Veale Gardens [in Park 21] also have an elegant vibe to them, which I adore.
Jaynie eloped with her husband in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14).
What do you consider the most pressing issue for the Park Lands?
I think the main issue that our Park Lands face is litter and pollution. It’s horrible to see waterways filled with plastic and high traffic areas littered with rubbish.
It’s sad that, in this day and age, there are inconsiderate people out there, contributing to this mess.
The iconic gardens in Red Gum Park / Karrawirra (Park 12), as captured by Jaynie.
What keeps you busy when you’re not meandering the parks?
I have spent the last four years raising my son as a stay-at-home mum. I am also studying Education Support with TAFE SA in the hopes of gaining employment again later this year.
I enjoy spending time with my husband, our dog Walter, and our two cats. I also love wildlife and conservation, and am a Zoos SA life member.
Jaynie snapped this image of the Popeye cruising the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri from the university footbridge. (The main pic, top, is of Jaynie with the Alice in Wonderland statue in her beloved Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka - Park 14.)
