Haig Park Blues

I have always thought calling Haig Park a “park” is a bit of a stretch. It is a paddock with lots of ugly pine trees in it. It is somewhere to pass through. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to spend time in it.

This area could be quite beautiful and utilised much more if the Government would spend a bit of money on it. Perhaps a few less horrific public artworks and more gardens ?

I question whether the trees of Haig Park buffer the wind more than the numerous, newer two and three story buildings. I suppose also that it does minimize the “rat-running” parallel to Northbourne Avenue. If so, I am all for extending the park across Torrens Street!

Part of my reason for writing to this Blog:

1) The inner north region either side (~500 metres) of Haig Park is changing rapidly. It is becoming for lack of a better term, urban, as one and two story residential and commercial buildings are replaced with greater density housing. These people have certain “needs” that may be new compared to the suburban development that has characterized Canberra’s development post WW II. For instance, and it may seem obvious to state, but, people living in flats lack a backyard. This has implications for recreation for adults and children. With the demise (renewal) of the Northbourne/Braddon flats, even more people will reside close to Haig Park. And my email to the ACT gov’t for more information has yet to be returned…

2) The easiest thing for a government to do is nothing, Correct, it is cheap to maintain the park as is. Maybe the park provides solace for a minute while “rat-running” with your bike or walking. Perhaps, this is the what most people want. If most people wanted a nine hole urban golf course…or a rigorous fitness trail or playground or sculpture garden…children’s arts centre, or indoor pool…

WilliamZ said :

The point questioning the value of Haig Park is on the mark. What is its community value beyond a poorly-funded extended nature strip?

Quite a lot actually. It was established as a windbreak, which it still does effectively. For may people who cycle or walk it provides a relatively calm place to escape the constant cacophany generated by the traffic. It provides a good solid buffer in the inner north against rat runners. For its size and purpose I imagine it’s quite a cheap asset to maintain.

Sure, after dark it loses its appeal, but that’s not a failing of the park, just of society.

Stevian said :

Brindabella said :

Disappointed. I came to this thread because I thought there was going to be a blues jam at Haig Park soon. Was going to bring a guitar and harmonica and start wailing the blues, John Lee Hooker style.

Seems we’ve dodged the bullet on that one

Funny stuff! 😉

I think all the points made till now are valid. Ovals in Canberra seem under-maintained, even after the drought conditions ended. The point questioning the value of Haig Park is on the mark. What is its community value beyond a poorly-funded extended nature strip? As for a kind of Blues Festival in Haig Park envisaged by Brindabella, you bring the guitar and harmonica, and I’ll bring the chain saw (with the unlikely blessing of the Heritage Trust, of course) !

Brindabella said :

Disappointed. I came to this thread because I thought there was going to be a blues jam at Haig Park soon. Was going to bring a guitar and harmonica and start wailing the blues, John Lee Hooker style.

Seems we’ve dodged the bullet on that one

Disappointed. I came to this thread because I thought there was going to be a blues jam at Haig Park soon. Was going to bring a guitar and harmonica and start wailing the blues, John Lee Hooker style.

Too bad.

Anyway, anyone interested in a blues jam at Haig Park soon?

I don’t mean to degrade the community value of Haig Park, but in my travels through the area I have very rarely seen it being used for recreation or leisure. On the other hand I see public ovals worn to dust and potholes under the feet of a hundred children and wonder why we allow the Government to neglect these facilities so badly.

They could subcontract the upkeep of public spaces to the Queanbeyan City Council. Those guys are always out mowing, watering, replacing the flowers, trimming, re-planting. Actually, the various airport business precincts are up-kept amazingly well, too.

On the contrary, Spectra, I am very interested in where tax revenue is spent, and hopefully, spent wisely. The link you provided me does little to answer the question, but thanks, anyway, for commenting. The question, perhaps, loosely, tries to address why some parks have better ‘stuff’ than others.