Park Lands

Adelaide's Park Lands are the City's defining feature and greatest asset. The encircling sea of Park Lands creates a sense of grace and spaciousness sought by the City's 1800s architect Colonel William Light. His plan for a series of parks to accommodate the "healthful recreation" of the City's aspiring citizens is as relevant today as ever.

The 760ha of green open space provides a rich social, environmental and recreational resource with opportunities for everyone - walking trails, cycle tracks, picnic areas, bird watching or secluded spots to watch the world go by.

Alternatively you can play golf, football or attend the races or one of the many events and festivals, from Writers Week to the International Horse Trials, that are held in the Park Lands throughout the year.

Park Lands Trail

The Park Lands Trail project is a staged development featuring a 24km recreational trail circling the City that creates greater connectivity through the Adelaide Park Lands.

The Trail is accessible to a range of users including cyclists, runners, walkers and rollerbladers, it is also wheelchair accessible.

Starting at the corner of North and East Terrace, the Trail already passes through the eastern and southern Park Lands currently finishing at Port Road in the western Park Lands. Once completed the entire loop will be approximately 24 km long and will showcase the diverse natural, historical and cultural elements of the Adelaide Park Lands.

» Trail map (via City of Adelaide)

Footbridge

The new $1 million pedestrian footbridge was craned into position in December and is now open for use as of 18 February 2010. As the next stage of the Park Lands Trail, the 18 tonne footbridge provides a vital link for users by connecting Northern Adelaide with the Royal Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Gardens.

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The 27 metre footbridge connects the Park Lands for walkers, cyclists, and joggers, making it a more accessible and safer route for users getting to and from the City. Stage Five of the Park Lands Trail provides key recreation links through Botanic Park to the new Adelaide Zoo entrance precinct and the River Torrens Linear Park.

In December, Adelaide City Council asked the public to submit suggestions to name the new bridge. All suggestions have been put to Council and a decision will be made very soon.

The Park Lands Trail is a joint project between Adelaide City Council and State Government.

Cultural Assessment Study

Adelaide City Council commissioned Dr David Jones from the University of Adelaide to research and develop a Cultural Landscape Assessment for the Parks that make up the Adelaide Park Lands.

This set of documents provides a comprehensive and definitive overview of the historical development and cultural heritage merit of the Park Lands.