Rymill Park: Keith shows us a bit of his rowing style in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

A few years ago the Adelaide City Council gave our parklands aboriginal names and Rymill Park was called Mullawirraburka. It was named after an important Aboriginal Kaurna elder who helped conciliate between the original inhabitants and the new arrivals.

Mullawirraburka would hardly recognise Rymill Park now. The creek which used to run through the area is now a lake and the park is a popular place for BBQs, a relaxing stroll or a romp in the playground.

In any case, Rymill Park, named after a former Mayor, Sir Arthur Rymill, is one of our favourite spots right on the edge of the city - but it's a relatively recent edition. Just 50 years ago it was nothing more than an undeveloped slice of parklands with the lofty title of 'Park 14'. There was no lake, no bridge or kiosk and there was a tram track through the middle. The embankment is still there if you know where to look. Former inner city resident, Arnie Rossis remembers it the old way.

Arnie Rossis, Rymill Park Kiosk: "I remember it as a little kid - little did I know that I would end up here everyday. I've had the kiosk here for nearly 12 years."

Arnie is the 'keeper of the kiosk' and you could say he looks after the 'eastern front of Adelaide' and the rowboats on the lake are his navy!! But when the kiosk opened 50 years ago the fleet was much bigger - it included several canoes.

We've got Town Clerk, Mr. W.C.D. Veale to thank for the Rymill Park make-over. In 1957 he returned from a study tour of Europe brimming with ideas and enthusiasm for emulating the great parks and gardens like Regent's Park in London.

Arnie Rossis, Rymill Park Kiosk: "Mr. Veale decided it was time to bring some recreational facilities like kiosks where people can have a picnic, a cup of tea, have a sandwich. Somewhere where families get together and the idea grew from there."

Mr. Veale was nothing if not thorough - his comprehensive report was adopted by the City Council and Alderman Rymill thought it was a top priority, given they had such an influx of 'continentals' or immigrants.

Up on the Bartell's Road side of the park there's a nice old grove of Peppercorn trees. They are 100 years old so when it came to designing Rymill Park they had plenty to work with. Mind you, they had to close the street sweeper's tip.

At the Dequetteville Terrace end is the rose garden. Three thousand roses were planted 50 years ago after the Rose Society petitioned the council for a formal rose garden based on Queen Mary Gardens in Regent's Park in London. Originally they were planted around a giant old Morton Bay Fig tree but it had to go - roses need full sun!

A couple of years after the lake was completed, Rymill Park enjoyed a nice Christmas present in the form of a John Dowie sculpture of Alice in Wonderland. She's been keeping an eye on proceedings in the park ever since and no doubt, she's seen a few changes as the trees have grown and the park has evolved. And Arnie would like her to see some change in the future too.

Arnie Rossis, Rymill Park Kiosk: "We've got 100 year old trees, a 50 year old lake and I think the vision must go on. Why not freeze a portion of the lake and let the people who come to enjoy the parklands also enjoy a skating rink?"

It's an interesting plan and one no doubt the City Council will consider in years to come.

Rymill Park is on Adelaide's East Terrace between Rundle and Bartels Road. There are plenty of free electric BBQs and playgrounds and if you want a snack, a chat or a row, Arnie's Kiosk is open Wednesday to Sunday and Public holidays from 9 to 5.

Rymill Park Kiosk
Bartels Rd
Open Wed - Sun 9-5

(Thanks to Adelaide City Council Archives for research and photos for this story)

Published 9th May 2010