“I hope that politicians of all persuasions will eventually recognize the priceless value of Adelaide’s world-unique garland of parks and will start to compete with each other to see who can best protect and restore this Open, Green, Public treasure.”
– Shane Sody
Now, as the President of the Adelaide Park Lands Association, Sody leads with the same drive he has brought to every phase of his career. Under his leadership, the association launched a strategic plan that encourages South Australians to embrace their parklands with the simple phrase, “Love Your Park Lands.” He has spent years fighting for these open, green spaces—raising awareness, revamping branding, and pushing for protections.
TWB: You’ve had a diverse career spanning law, public policy, and activism. How did your experiences lead you to the Adelaide Park Lands Association, and what inspired your commitment to this cause?
SS: I was led to my involvement in the Adelaide Park Lands Association by a mentor – former State politician, Ian Gilfillan. It was his passion that inspired me, and his tutelage that helped me appreciate what had escaped my notice before – that my home city is the only city in the world garlanded entirely by a single park.
TWB: Under your leadership, the Adelaide Park Lands Association has undergone strategic rebranding and new initiatives like the “Love Your Park Lands” campaign. How have these changes impacted the community’s perception of the Park Lands?
SS: It is difficult for any voluntary organization to cut through the clutter of daily life and deliver a simple, easy-to-understand message. Our Association rebranded in 2021 by using three clear components to easily communicate our mission and our message: firstly, a green heart-shaped logo that represents the Adelaide Park Lands; second, a slogan that relies upon the logo’s heart shape to simply urge “Love Your Park Lands”; and third, an equally simple statement of what our Association endorses: parks that are “Open, Green, Public.”
This has shaped the narrative away from what was, in the past, too frequently misinterpreted by others as a reactive organization that campaigned against proposed new developments. It has allowed us to portray our mission as being a positive one, of championing a world-unique asset.
TWB: In your opinion, what role do public green spaces play in fostering a sense of community and well-being? Why is it so important to protect these areas in rapidly urbanizing environments?
SS: There have been multiple studies published around the world that demonstrate the health benefits of spending time in open, green, public spaces and the value of protecting mature, established trees. Many Adelaide residents are keenly aware of these benefits because of the unique characteristic of this, the world’s only City in a Park. It’s Adelaide’s defining feature.
People from all walks of life come together to enjoy a wide variety of activities right on the city’s edges. We continually publicize in our blog, social media, and newsletter all of the things that you can see and do in the Park Lands.
TWB: What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your efforts to preserve the Park Lands, particularly regarding urban development pressures and government policies?
SS: For generations, successive South Australian State Governments have treated the Adelaide Park Lands as if they were vacant building allotments. The challenge for the Park Lands is their lack of legal protection and the apathy toward the Park Lands in the highest political circles.
Our efforts are not merely to “preserve.” We welcome new developments in Park Lands such as the recently established three-hectare wetland in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16). Wherever possible, we also want to reclaim Park Lands previously lost to inappropriate development. Therefore, rather than efforts to “preserve,” we campaign to both “protect” and “restore.”
TWB: The Association recently completed a comprehensive walking guide for the entire Park Lands. How do you see initiatives like this encouraging the public to engage with these spaces more deeply?
SS: Our regular Guided Walks and the completion of a full set of do-it-yourself Trail Guides covering all of the Park Lands are intended to make it easy for anyone to explore, in manageable segments. It’s very common for participants on our Guided Walks to express surprise about features that are hidden away from the most popular walking routes, or about the history of the Park Lands.
For example, some participants are shocked to learn that 19th-century European settlers denuded the Park Lands of all trees, and also tried to confine the First Nations Kaurna people to a single Park Lands encampment.
TWB: Sustainability is a key theme in environmental activism. How does the Adelaide Park Lands Association incorporate sustainability into its long-term goals and initiatives?
SS: Sustainability for a volunteer organization like the Adelaide Park Lands Association means that we need to continually recruit and train new volunteers, especially as communicators in a variety of ways. We have a range of activities under the broad headings “Explore,” “Inspire,” “Protect,” and “Restore,” which allows prospective volunteers to choose activities that best correspond with their interests.
TWB: Diversity in community engagement is vital. How have you ensured that the Association’s efforts are inclusive, attracting a wide range of supporters across different demographics?
SS: We try to attract a range of demographics by utilizing a variety of channels to spread our message. We utilize Facebook, Instagram, “X” (Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and most recently BlueSky as well.
We have reached out to university students to create content and have engaged university students on formal internships for particular projects, such as production of videos, recording biodiversity in the Park Lands, and researching our Trail Guides.
TWB: Your leadership emphasizes public activism. Can you share examples of how grassroots movements have influenced positive changes for the Park Lands?
SS: Much of the activism of recent years has been directed at protecting Park Lands from one or more proposed developments that would have been inconsistent with the “Open, Green, Public” standard. Preventing a threatened attack is not the same as influencing “positive change.”
However, the Association’s consistent messaging and vocal support from a strong and growing supporter base has shifted the tone of public debate, so that those who wish to plunder Park Lands for sectional advantage have found it harder in recent years to get traction or support for proposals that would whittle away more of the Open, Green, Public Adelaide Park Lands.
TWB: Looking back on your tenure, what are some of the key milestones or achievements that stand out? How have these successes shaped the Association’s future vision?
SS: During my tenure as President, I have taken the view that the Adelaide Park Lands will be protected only when a sufficient number of people demand that protection. Accordingly, my overarching focus in leading the Adelaide Park Lands Association has been to grow and broaden support for the Park Lands.
We measure that support by the number of participants on our Guided Walks, the number of social media followers that we attract, the number of newsletter subscribers, and the number of people who signify that they support our aims by the simple act of paying an annual membership fee. All of these indicators have grown substantially under my presidency since 2017.
TWB: As you look to the future, what are your hopes for the Park Lands, and how can people contribute to ensuring they remain a vibrant part of Adelaide for generations to come?
SS: My fondest hope for the future is that the Adelaide Park Lands Association one day will not need to continue its “Protect” activities. I hope that politicians of all persuasions will eventually recognize the priceless value of Adelaide’s world-unique garland of parks and will start to compete with each other to see who can best protect and restore this Open, Green, Public treasure.
Until that happens, I hope that the Adelaide Park Lands Association keeps on growing from strength to strength and continues to attract supporters and volunteers to help us “Explore,” “Inspire,” “Protect,” and “Restore.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Until that happens, I hope that the Adelaide Park Lands Association keeps on growing from strength to strength and continues to attract supporters and volunteers to help us ‘Explore’, ‘Inspire’, ‘Protect’, and ‘Restore’.”
– Shane Sody
Useful Links
Share Your Insights
As Shane Sody continues to advocate for the preservation of Adelaide’s parklands, his vision depends on the community’s engagement and support. What role do public spaces play in your life, and how can we collectively ensure their protection for future generations?
Let us know your thoughts:
- How do public parks contribute to the quality of life in your city?
- What steps do you think local governments should take to protect green spaces?
- How can everyday citizens get involved in preserving and restoring public spaces?
Alignment with the UN SDGs
Several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the vital role that public green spaces play in fostering environmental sustainability and community well-being, and Shane Sody’s commitment to protecting and restoring Adelaide’s Park Lands is very compatible with these. The following SDGs are aligned with his actions:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The significance of preserving green public areas in urban settings is emphasized by Sody’s advocacy of the Adelaide Park Lands. By stressing the value of these parks, he contributes to the development of more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities that prioritize the health of their residents.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – This goal is consistent with knowledge of the benefits of spending time in green spaces for one’s health. Sody’s projects enhance the physical environment while also encouraging mental wellness and healthier lifestyles through more community interaction in natural settings.
SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on preserving and restoring the Park Lands directly supports biodiversity and ecosystem health. Sody’s campaigns aim to protect mature trees and promote ecological restoration, crucial for sustaining terrestrial ecosystems.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Sody’s collaborative approach—engaging community members, students, and volunteers—demonstrates the power of partnerships in achieving common goals. By involving various demographics and leveraging social media, he effectively mobilizes community support for the Park Lands.
Progress and Metrics: There are concrete signs of the growing public support for the Park Lands, such as the rise in social media followers, newsletter subscriptions, and guided walk participation. These indicators show that public opinion and use of green spaces have successfully changed.
Future Advancements: Looking ahead, Sody envisions a time when protecting the Park Lands becomes a shared priority among politicians of all affiliations. His hope for greater political competition in safeguarding these areas indicates a strategic shift towards more proactive governance regarding urban green spaces.
Through these efforts, Shane Sody exemplifies how dedicated activism for public spaces not only enhances local ecosystems but also fosters a sense of community that can last for generations, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.
Other Highlights
Looking for something?
Type in your keyword(s) below and click the “Search” button.
Helpful Shortcuts
More Stories
Print and Digital Magazine
Don’t just read about greatness. Own it!
About Us
The World’s Best Magazine is a print and online publication that highlights the extraordinary. It is your passport to a universe where brilliance knows no bounds. Celebrating outstanding achievements in various fields and industries, we curate and showcase the exceptional, groundbreaking, and culturally significant. Our premier laurels, The World’s Best Awards, commend excellence through a unique process involving subject matter experts and a worldwide audience vote. Explore with us the pinnacle of human achievement and its intersection with diversity, innovation, creativity, and sustainability.
We recognise and honour the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our main office is situated. We extend our deepest respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture, and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders from all communities who also reside and work on this land.
Disclaimer: The World’s Best does not provide any form of professional advice. All views and opinions expressed in each post are the contributor’s own. Whereas we implement editorial policies and aim for content accuracy, the details shared on our platforms are intended for informational purposes only. We recommend evaluating each third-party link or site independently, as we cannot be held responsible for any results from their use. In all cases and with no exceptions, you are expected to conduct your own research and seek professional assistance as necessary prior to making any financial, medical, personal, business, or life-changing decisions arising from any content published on this site. All brands and trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. Your continued use of our site means you agree with all of these and our other site policies, terms, and conditions. For more details, please refer to the links below.
About | Advertise | Awards | Blogs | Contact | Disclaimer | Submissions | Subscribe | Privacy | Publications | Terms | Winners
The World’s Best: A Magazine That’s All About What’s Great | theworldsbestmagazine.com | Copyright ⓒ 2022-2025
Let’s connect
Discover more from The World's Best
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The World's Best 
I love the emphasis Mr. Sody places on restoring. I don’t live in Adelaide, but we all need more green spaces. I once read that you can email some trees in Australia, and I found that to be a brilliant way to build empathy with our natural surroundings. Kudos, Mr. Sody!
LikeLike