Originally published in The Canberra Times, 22 February 2016
This year, I moved to the north of Braddon. Working in the city, I now have the luxury of walking through the historic Haig Park every day. The park is unique and, in its own strange way, beautiful. But as I walk through every day, I can’t help but think it’s well past its used-by date. Haig Park needs a revamp – desperately.
Stretching from Froggatt Street in Turner to Limestone Avenue in Braddon, the park plays an important role in Canberra’s history. It was first planted in 1921, designed as a wind and dust break for the city and new suburbs of Turner and Braddon. To do so, 7000 trees were planted in a unique row formation – different to any park in the country. Haig Park was officially designated a public park in 1987 and since has been classified by the National Trust and the ACT Heritage register.
Despite this important history, Haig Park no longer seems fit for purpose.