Veale Gardens: a vision from an international study tour

Veale Park / Walyu Yarta (Park 21)

Did you know that Veale Gardens was a flat area used for tennis courts until it was redeveloped in 1959?

William Charles Douglas Veale (known as W. C. D. Veale)

“Pan” by John Dowie

“The Couple” by Beren van der Struik

It was developed using fill brought in from the construction of Rymill Park Lake and the rubbish tip which was in Rymill Park.

In 1957, Town Clerk Bill Veale went on a study tour of the United States, Canada and Europe. He returned inspired with plans to improve the Park Lands. Work began in Rymill Park in 1958, then Veale Gardens, and later Bonython Park. The serpentine-style canal is the centrepiece of the Gardens, which feature statues “Pan” by sculptor John Dowie and “The Couple” by Dutch immigrant Beren van der Struik.

In contrast to the formal landscape of Veale Gardens, the southern part of the Park features sports fields as well as areas where local native plant species have been re-established. You can also visit the Walyo Yerta Community Garden, run by volunteers.

The Kaurna name for this Park, Walyu Yarta, means Walyu root ground.

City of Adelaide acknowledges the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today. We also extend that respect to other Aboriginal Language Groups and other First Nations.

Disclaimer: The information, map and materials contained in this database are for general information purposes only, and should not be relied on. The City of Adelaide make no warranties, representations or undertakings about any of the content of in this database (including, without limitation, any as to the quality, accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of such content), or any content of any other website referred to or accessed by hyperlinks through these web pages. The City of Adelaide expressly disclaims responsibility for any damages that may be caused by the contents of this database.