Balancing Act
In the heart of Mawson Lakes lies a small but beautiful park designed to show admiration for City of Salisbury's Japanese sister city. Mobara City has a population of about 90,000 with a density of 880 persons per square kilometre. It is located in the Chiba Prefecture approximately 80 kilometres from Tokyo. Sister cities throughout the world create familiarity links between different communities, and the agreement between City of Salisbury and Mobara City is no different. Formalised in May 2002, the two communities continue to promote cultural understanding and build stronger friendships.
Garden of Blossoms
Garden of Blossoms
was designed by an experienced Japanese garden landscape architectural firm. Officially opened in October 2004, the park consists mainly of three themed gardens with a concrete artwork heralding its entrance. The Balancing Act, sculptured by a South Australian artist, refers to North and South as two hemispheres and East and West as two cultures. It was inspired by geometric simplicity and circular forms typical of traditional Japanese architecture.
Garden of Fields
Nakayoshi
Right at the corner of Mawson Lakes Boulevard and Garden Terrace, you will find the park's first garden, the Garden of Blossoms, which is distinctly lined with ornamental pear trees and randomly punctuated with heaped circles of grass. Children can often be seen playing on these mounds while parents enjoy some downtime unwinding on the circular seats. It is also a popular location for Pokemon enthusiasts - I find it rather entertaining to see groups of people staring into their mobile devices all at the same time.
Cluster of bright red poles
Garden of Shifting Skies
Next to this paved space is the Garden of Fields bringing to the fore Mobara City's agricultural heritage. Walk onto the timber deck and you will notice a bronze figure in the middle, as well as a grass and gravel field beneath. The sculpture, donated by Mobara City, is titled Nakayoshi (good friends). Pass through a cluster of bright red poles at the end of the deck and the third garden awaits.
Bbq shelter
Playground
The Garden of Shifting Skies gives prominence to the broad horizontal skies and flat topography of City of Salisbury. Composed primarily of grasses, this shaded area will surprise you with a circular sunken water feature as you venture into it. The reclining lounge seats are perfect for a moment of contemplation.
Tennis courts
Volleyball courts
also has a bbq shelter next to its playground, toilet facilities between its tennis and volleyball courts, and a car park along Mawson Lakes Boulevard. So, why not check it out next time you're in the vicinity.
