by Jan Gaebler Smith, and Graham Smith, Park Guardians for Park 22 & Park 23 South
We are delighted to have signed up with the Adelaide Park Lands Association to watch over and report news, observations, and stories about two parks either side of Anzac Highway; ie Josie Agius Park / Wikaparntu Wirra (Park 22) and Edwards Park (Park 23 South )
If, like us, you have travelled interstate and overseas, it is evident that your Park Lands stand out on the world stage… and long term protection in our contemporary developing world must be ensured!
These two Parks, either side of Anzac Highway are the introduction to your Adelaide Park Lands for millions who are driving into the CBD from the south. This area definitely needs more visual acknowledgement and attention to the importance and value of nature and Park Lands in our growing and continually redeveloping city CBD.
We live within walking distance of Park 22 and visit it regularly. We always come home with a healthy satisfying exercise adventure amid its vegetation, trees, animal and birds environment, and often engaging with other walkers or people bike riding in and out of the CBD.
Park 22 is also used for school/association netball games with courts and facilities attracting a huge number of regular players throughout the year, and also, once a year, provides parking space for our nearby Royal Show.
Netball on the courts in Park 22
On the western side of Anzac Highway, the southern part of Park 23, (south of the West Terrace Cemetery) known as Edwards Park, currently hosts temporary tents for engaging Aboriginal people, who also clearly appreciate and enjoy your Park Lands, too.
Cycling through Edwards Park (Park 23 South)
In our coming months, as Park Guardians, we will focus on ways these Parks can be enjoyed, and improved so this special environment offers long term protection and growth to its wonderful and diverse trees, vegetation, animals…and ensures it survives for future generations living and visiting in your wonderful Adelaide Park Lands.
A silky oak (Grevillea robusta) in Josie Agius Park / Wikaparntu Wirra (Park 22)
APA Park Guardians - Graham & Jan Smith
This article is the first in a series, to be contributed by Park Guardians, each looking out for a part of your Adelaide Park Lands.
You too, can become a Park Guardian. Details here: https://www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/blog/2024/12/15/guardians-first-of-many
