This is my entry for this week's Wednesday Walk challenge organized by @tattoodjay
Surrounded by nature, amid the beauty of Queen's Park in Ipswich, in Queensland, it is easy to forget that the center of the city is only a short distance away. I enjoyed wandering around this green oasis at leisure and became a little more knowledgeable about this fast growing city west of Brisbane, Australia after reading the plaques and signs available for the public to read.
A clear blue sky and the warmth of the winter sun made my walk even more pleasant. Although it was a week day there were still quite a few people taking advantage of the scenery and location.
A convenient site map allows visitors to get their bearings and decide which direction to begin their exploration of Queen's Park.
The children's playground is one of the more prominent features of this park. Outdoor, fun activities are well catered for, ensuring that the kids are kept happy while the parents enjoy a coffee and a well earned rest, close by.
Another noticeable feature, is this Memorial Rotunda which was erected by the Rotary Club of Ipswich in 1949.
"The original rotunda was dedicated to Walter Bruce Darker in 1949 in honour of his contributions to the community, the business arena & to the Rotary Club of Ipswich. In its new location the rotunda is rededicated as affirmation of the Rotary Club of Ipswich & Ipswich City Councils appreciation of Walter's contribution to the city of Ipswich.
Ipswich Boy: Walter Bruce Darker was born on 11th September 1878 at North Ipswich to Richard Thomas Darker, a locomotive foreman from England and his Scottish wife, Williamina, nee Forbes; the 7th of 12 children.
He was a successful business leader, with formidable commercial & negotiating skills and a leading figure in Queensland's business community.
The views towards the city center were superb.
The Ipswich Bowling Club is situated at the base of Queen's Park.
I made my way to the gazebo at the top of the hill, believing that the view from there would be very worthwhile.
I was not wrong.
Lions lookout. At the top of the hill there is an information board which explains that from this vantage point it is only 10 minutes walk to central Ipswich. Further information includes:
The visible landmarks reflect the history & changing landscape of Ipswich. From the cultural lands of the Yagara People, the traditional owners of Ipswich, where every mountain, rock outcrop, spring, waterhole and creek was named & formed part of a spiritscape to the structures associated with the once thriving coal mining, railway and wool industries.
The first recorded coal mines in the central Ipswich area started at Woodend, in 1808. The industry grew & by the 1890's several major coal seams were being worked at major mines.
Queensland's first railway line running from Ipswich to Grandchester opened on July 31st, 1865. The Q'ld Woollen Manufacturing Company formed in 1875 & they established the first woollen mill in Q'ld in north Ipswich in 1877.
As the population of Ipswich has grown, so too the regions economy has developed at pace. From the continual success of traditional industries such as manufacturing, transport, health and education to the emergence of new industries, digital technology
advanced processing and aeronautics. Ipswich is viewed in 2017 (as written on the sign) is viewed as a prosperous city, recognized for its liveability, connectedness and opportunity.
After a good look around, I headed towards the cafe where I picked up a magazine whilst indulging in a cappuccino.
