Trees cut down to make way for the O-Bahn extension. Photo: Bension Siebert / InDaily

Four significant trees, 10 regulated trees and 63 “amenity” trees are among those to be cut down in Rymill Park and Rundle Park today.

Save Rymill Park campaign spokesperson Shane Sody told InDaily that the “jewel of the parklands” would have its peaceful atmosphere “shattered” by the O-Bahn development, and Adelaide residents will be devastated by the loss of trees and amenity.

“The most peaceful, pleasant and family-friendly area of the parklands will have that tranquillity shattered forever,” he said.

“I don’t think the government has thought through how strongly people will react when they see (the felled trees).”

Sody said Adelaide residents that have happy memories of childhood or weddings in Rymill Park would be driven to despair by the development.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan conceded that “no one likes seeing these trees removed, but it is necessary to ensure the Government can deliver this project”.

“As well as ensuring we have met all approvals, the Government is working with the council and landscape architects to ensure we replace more trees than we are removing and reinstate the parklands to a higher standard around the project area.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure said that “all efforts are continuously being made to reduce the impact on the parklands”.

“Removals will be offset with new landscaping, that will be incorporated into the design of the project and surrounding areas …

“Large timber will be made into new pieces of furniture, play equipment and art for the parklands.”

Photos: Bension Siebert/InDaily

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