A major milestone for Adelaide’s National Park City movement has been achieved with the lodging of Adelaide’s submission to the international governing body based in the UK.
Green Adelaide has submitted greater Adelaide’s application to become the next National Park City, initiating a three-week online assessment process by the global National Park City Foundation.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said that Adelaide’s push to become a National Park City has been a huge effort and will see economic, environmental and wellbeing benefits for our city now as well as for future generations.
“We are already the third most liveable city in the world, and becoming the world’s second National Park City will help further promote our existing green and nature spaces, and inspire the creation of new ones across the city and suburbs,” Minister Speirs said.
“The push has been led by Green Adelaide, with new on-ground rewilding projects such as scoping the reintroduction of platypus to the Torrens, creating a more butterfly friendly city, enhancing habitat and raising awareness about Adelaide’s raptor species, as well as street plantings.
“The journey for Adelaide to become a National Park City has been about building awareness, curiosity and capability about our environment, as well as gaining support from government agencies, non-government organisations, businesses and communities.
“I believe that Adelaide deserves to be recognised as a National Park City. I have no doubt that such a title will be embraced by our community. It will be a catalyst for further change to benefit everyone’s wellbeing.”
Green Adelaide Board Presiding Member Professor Chris Daniels said that being a National Park City will help inspire change to urban design and decision-making across greater Adelaide.
“It’s about inspiring everyone to come together and work towards a shared vision for a nature connected lifestyle,” Professor Daniels said.
“Being named the world’s second National Park City – a title which would be shared only with London – would also be an important recognition for South Australia and help us work together on connections between people and nature, Kaurna Yerta (Country) and community.
“The status would bring global recognition for Adelaide’s environment, attract visitors and enable more investment and interest in nature-based tourism, as well as attract more funding for innovative environmental projects. Most importantly, it will help bring people and nature closer together and lead to great benefits for the environmental health of our city.”
Professor Daniels added that Adelaide’s National Park City submission has been bought to life with the beautiful artwork created by emerging artist Lucinda Penn.
“Her artwork adds a fun, engaging and creative feel to our formal submission that celebrates our vibrant culture,” he said.
“We’d love to see this beautiful Adelaide National Park City artwork reproduced as murals across greater Adelaide.
“These murals can help build awareness of the movement, be a great way for businesses to demonstrate their support, connect people with Adelaide’s special wildlife, and add splashes of colour throughout our city.”
Young artist and designer Lucinda Penn said that she really enjoyed creating Adelaide’s National Park City artwork and that it is exciting to be part of an international sustainability movement.
“My piece represents Adelaide in an abstract and colourful way from the hills to the sea, from a platypus in the Torrens, to our iconic hills landscape, as well as parks and wineries and the Mall’s Balls,” Ms Penn said.
“I hope to see my artwork pop up everywhere across the city and suburbs of Adelaide to bring people together and help them connect with nature.”
Adelaide’s submission to be a National Park City is being assessed by the international National Park City Foundation. Adelaide’s assessment will take place from 8-24 November, with a decision expected by early December 2021. To download a copy of the 84-page submission document and pledge your support visit: adelaidenationalparkcity.org.
