Thilina Gunasekara
Secret State: It Took a Court Case to Reveal ...

It took a Federal Court case to find out what the State Government is actually planning for John E. Brown Park. 

A two-storey driving range, 108 car parks, up to 400 metres of netting, an 18-hole mini-golf course, retail facilities, new roads, water tanks and other infrastructure — all on public Park Lands. 

These are significant changes, yet despite repeated questions, the community has had no meaningful opportunity to see or comment on the plans. 

Why did it take a court case for South Australians to find out what is being proposed for their Park Lands? 

Secret State: It Took a Court Case to Reveal Plans for John E. Brown Park
Thilina Gunasekara
MotoGP Deemed Too Dangerous for Street Circuits ...

“MotoGP has not raced on a street circuit since 1982, and the reason for that was that riders kept dying.” As Adelaide plans to bring MotoGP back onto city streets, safety concerns could have profound consequences for the surrounding Park Lands. 

MotoGP Deemed Too Dangerous for Street Circuits Since 1982
Thilina Gunasekara
Sophie's story. Young People Love Park Lands ...

For 16-year-old Sophie, the Adelaide Park Lands are more than a park — they’re her backyard, her running track and part of her home.

Sophie's story. Young People Love Park Lands Too!
Thilina Gunasekara
Finding Connection in Adelaide Park Lands

For almost a decade, Trees for Life’s Regenerate program has been bringing people together in the Adelaide Park Lands through Bushcare, nature, culture and connection. 

We talk with Tricia Curtis about how caring for nature can also mean caring for ourselves—and why the Park Lands are such an important place for community wellbeing. 

Finding Connection in Adelaide Park Lands
Thilina Gunasekara
Newsletter: 04 August 2026

CONTENTS

1. Editorial: From the President: The Movement to Stop the Chop Is Growing

2. Members are Ready for Battle: Park Lands Association Forum

3. Park Poetry - Flying foxes (Fruit Bats)

4. Pic of the Month – Dr Bird Nerd

5. Charles Sturt and Prospect Council Join the Campaign for Your Lands

6. The Pen Is Mightier than! 28,000 signatures and counting

7. The First Hints of Spring: Guided Walk Through Red Gum Park / Karra Wirra

8. OPINION: Time to Debunk Some Misinformation

9. SE City Residents Raise Concerns About Proposed MotoGP in the Park Lands

10. The Mosquito vs the Elephant: Save Festival Plaza Update

Newsletter: 04 August 2026

Demolishing a "sense of place"

Demolishing a "sense of place"

Our contributing cultural historian, Dr Noris Ioannou, laments the upcoming demolition of heritage-listed police barracks and historic olive trees in your Park 27.

Dr Ioannou argues that destruction of these landmarks will prevent future South Australians from being able to step back in time and see life through the eyes of those from the past.

Place to reflect

Place to reflect

Members of the Stolen Generations now have a dedicated space in the city to reflect and connect, with a Place of Reflection opening last month in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14).

At the centre of the space is a bronze sculpture, created by renowned Ngarrindjerri weaver Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie and South Australian designer Karl Meyer.

Brewery site purchase raises hopes

Brewery site purchase raises hopes

Reports that the State Government is close to finalising a deal for the old West End Brewery site at Thebarton has raised hopes that infrastructure developments threatened for your Park Lands might be switched to this alternative site.

Meanwhile, the City Council has deferred a vote on handing over a three-hectare Park Lands site for a $135 million, two-storey megalith aquatic and commercial centre.

Waterworks and bricks

Waterworks and bricks

Have you noticed this strange small octagonal building in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina (Park 13) near the corner of Botanic Road and Dequetteville Terrace?

It’s on a site that was restored to your Park Lands in the 1980s; and is a rare surviving example of patterned brickwork that was commonly used in the late 1800s.

As well, he delves into how Adelaide became the first fully septic-drained city in the nation.