Crawford Reserve upgrade
From the magnificent tall Royal Oak tree that was donated by the family of a local surgeon born in 1873, to the intricate cast iron gates of one of the Township’s historic estates – pieces of the past are represented in this Walkerville park, following the completion of a new upgrade.
Crawford Reserve, on Walkerville Terrace, has received a mini redevelopment to become a vibrant and engaging green space for the community to relax, as well as gather with family and friends. Works include a picnic table, a reading nook shelter with a telephone box-themed community street library, additional bench seating, an irrigation system upgrade to increase efficiency and disability-friendly paths surrounding the reserve. A barbecue will be installed in coming weeks, following the connection of power to the reserve.
The project began in in June 2022 and the park was opened to the community on 28 September 2022.
Nestled in between Hay Lane and Horn Court, this reserve is home to the Henry Simpson Oak. The 15ft-high tree was planted on the 80th birthday of Sir Henry Simpson Newland at his Burlington Street residence on 18 November 1954.
In 1970, Lady Newland’s niece Mrs Wreford advised Council that the property was going on the market in two weeks and suggested they transplant the tree to a public place. Council sought advice on the best method of moving the Oak to ensure the survival of the tree. Crawford Reserve was selected and the tree was successfully rehomed.
As part of the upgrade, uplighting has been installed to highlight the tree, along with the planting of an additional four Oak trees to act as companions to the original Oak, which still stands in remembrance of Sir Newland – a remarkable surgeon with a long list of accolades, including honorary service to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, transforming faces of men that were battered during in WWI and founding the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
In addition, the rear of the park has been planted to resemble a “faux” formal garden entrance to the Holmwood Estate. The property, which now can be found on Devonshire Street, once occupied the entire area where Crawford Reserve sits today.
The design includes a cast iron gate with stone pillars either side. It creates an interesting and ornamental backdrop to the reserve and a pleasant space to pass the time, particularly for those residents from Allity Aged Care, opposite the park.
The reserve is watered by ERA Water and is centred by a grass labyrinth.