Visitors from interstate may not know that in SA parks and often playground spaces are called reserves. This is a quiet inner suburban park in the middle of Marion. It lies between the busy southern thoroughfares of Marion Road and Oaklands Road which runs beside the Marion Shopping Centre. The best access is via Marion Road and Finniss Street. There is a carpark at the rear.
George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
The park is popular with locals and it would also make an ideal stopover if you are travelling in the region or on the way back from the southern suburbs to the city. Everything you need is here. There is a small selection of playground equipment, barbeque facilities, shelters and toilets are all here for family gatherings.
George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
This patch of ground has seen some big changes over the years. From natural bushland the area was developed into one of Adelaide's early brickworks as there was large clay deposits here. After the brickworks closed the huge empty hole was used as a council rubbish tip. This closed in the 1970s and the area was made a reserve. Having had recent upgrades, it is now transformed into the park we see today.
George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
A fun reminder of childhood games of years ago is here with a hopscotch game. When I visited the park a young girl came up as she saw me jumping on the mosaic tiled game. I asked her if she knew how to play but all she knew was that you jump on the numbers. I taught her the object of the game, and it was good to see the hopscotch rules were displayed nearby to keep this old fashioned game alive and well. Local school children were invited to decorate the game with painted tiles and mosaic art work.
Mosaic hopscotch game at George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
Best thing here is the large areas of green lush grass. I visited in Autumn after a long hot summer and the lawn looked green and inviting. The green space is suitable for ball games or backyard cricket and is safely located away from the playground equipment. The well watered lawn looked a good safe space to throw a ball or frisbee around.
George St Reserve and Playground Image by Out and About.
Towards the boundary of the park is a planting of fruit and almond trees planted as a reminder to the past when this region was surrounded by market gardens and farms. As this park is well away from busy main roads it makes a peaceful oasis in a safe area. The George Street Reserve would make a wonderful place to for a break perhaps after a busy shopping outing or a chance for the kids to run about when on a car trip travelling south.
