Adventure Adelaide Series - Part 1 - Penfold Park

Hello Sensual Steemians ;)

I've just gotten better from my illness, which companions such as @choogirl , @kubbyelizabeth and @ryivhnn have put it down to the "man flu", but let's be honest, with a 500% increase of patients with influenza this season, it was probably that.

I went for a light walk today around the park across from my home. I thought I'd share photos as the park is pretty awesome and has been a big part of my childhood. I also thought I'd start a series called 'Adventure Adelaide' because there are so many more beautiful places I want to share with you all!

So here is one of four main entry points to the park, and is the closest to my house. I let Roofie off the lead here as he is very familiar with the area and doesn't wonder off too far.

The playground in the middle was built about 10 years ago. It is one of two playgrounds in the park and has a nice shelter to help keep some of the direct sun off the kiddies that are playing.

Believe it or not, there actually used to be a massive wooden playground in the middle here, but it became deemed unsafe and removed. Then they built the other one.

The tennis courts recently got resurfaced. I used to play here almost daily when I was younger and inspiring to be a pro tennis player. I met my tennis coach here when i was just hitting around with dad as a kid. We asked if she could coach me and sure enough with a basket of balls and $10 later, I was being trained. My coach was only 15 at the time and it wasn't anything serious. Dad then would bring a crate and help pick up the balls. Then a year or so later, we bought her one of those pipes that pick up the balls. When she got her P's (provisional drivers license) if the courts were full, we would drive around to other nearby courts. As the years went on, and I got better, she became more of a hitting partner. Since then, we've both grown away from tennis. She is now a teacher at a school here in Adelaide and we contact each other for the occasional hit!

There is a draining system that runs from Kangaroo Reservoir up in the hills and through this park. I remember one time they must of been dumping water because this whole area was under water and only the tip of the well was sticking out. Smarty pants me was actually standing on top of it at the time playing around but was slowly freaking out as the water levels drew higher and the land was getting further and further away.

There is even a bridge! :O

HISTORY TIME

The park was given its name after Dr. Christopher Penfold, whom back in 1845, acquired 60 acres in this area and planted the first section of vineyard that still continues. The park was dedicated to the Burnside Community to mark the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the City of Burnside.

On the other side of the park is Coach Rd.

If you take this road up for about 5 minutes (drive, I haven't actually ever walked to the top haha), it will lead you to the beautiful Skye Lookout.

Image Source

Lastly, there is this bench in the park that I like to sit at. It is surrounded by beautiful flowers, usually always in the sunlight, and has the only view of the city from the whole park. Also, Roofie loves to sit here too. So i'll leave you with this picture, and keep an eye out for the next series of ADVENTURE ADELAIDE!