Irish Harp Reserve Upgrade
Address: 350 Regency Road, Prospect
Ward: North Ward
What: Open space upgrade in accordance with our Open Space Strategy.
Dates: November 2023 to March 2024
Status: COMPLETED
We're thrilled to announce that the Irish Harp Reserve is now open to our community! A big thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey with us.
The upgraded Irish Harp Reserve now includes swings, a flying fox, a basketball court, nature-inspired play elements, seating, BBQ facilities, a sheltered area, picnic tables and chairs, and art-themed play equipment.
Public Art
'Wings' by Wes Maselli and Will Cheesman
Robert Graham Carey was the first licensed civilian pilot in Australia. His unique story is tied to the Irish Harp Reserve where, after having crash landed there, he repaired his damaged plane and attempted to take off only to get caught in a paddock fence and crash again.
Soon however, he was back in the sky, soaring like a bird, dropping postcards to people below. It was Carey’s imagination that got him into the sky, and his determination that kept him there.
This artwork references Carey’s aircraft adventure and is designed to be interactive for younger ages, but meaningful for all ages.
It directly references the aviation history of the site, and invites children to use their imagination and determination, as Carey did in 1917.
Mural artwork by Ella Simpson
Designed in collaboration with the children of the prospect kindy, the mural seeks to show the idea of play, happiness, picnics, family and friends. During her workshops, Ella said the children spoke of seeing shadows from the trees and playing ‘shadowland’ (the famous Bluey episode).
She took inspiration from these ideas and created a mural work with bold bright colours and simple shapes, aiming to create a sense of joy and playfulness. The children then spent a day helping to paint the mural alongside her.
After meeting Ray and his dog Bobby while painting, she decided to include the image of Bobby as a last-minute addition. Ray and Bobby are known as somewhat local celebrities, with a long connection to the park, and can often be seen interacting with the kindy kids who delight in Bobby the little white scruffy dog.
"The mural work speaks to what makes this area special - a sense of community."
The upgrade of Irish Harp Reserve is delivered by Council, with a $325,000 Open Space Grant from the Government of South Australia.