Prospect, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prospect Adelaide, South Australia
The western side of Prospect facing north, bounded on the west by the railway line
Postcode(s)	5082
Area	5 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
LGA(s)	City of Prospect City of Port Adelaide Enfield
State electorate(s)	Adelaide Enfield
Federal Division(s)	Adelaide
Suburbs around Prospect: Regency Park Kilburn Blair Athol Enfield Dudley Park Devon Park Prospect Nailsworth Medindie Gardens Ovingham Fitzroy Thorngate Medindie

Prospect is a cool suburb located just north of Adelaide, a big city in South Australia. It's about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the very center of Adelaide. Prospect is also the main hub for the local government area called the City of Prospect.

This suburb is surrounded by other areas like Kilburn, Fitzroy, and Devon Park. Its borders are easy to spot: Main North Road to the east, a railway line to the west, and specific streets like Carter Street and Regency Road marking the north and south. Prospect makes up most of the land in the City of Prospect council area, about 71% of it!

Discovering Prospect's Past

Prospect has a really interesting history, going back to the early days of South Australia.

How Prospect Got Its Name

Back in 1838, a man named John Bradford was given a piece of land here. He divided it up into smaller blocks. The area was named "Prospect" because of its amazing views over the Adelaide Plains. It was also separated from North Adelaide by beautiful parklands filled with gum trees.

The first settlers thought the untouched land looked like a "beautiful prospect." It had lots of trees, especially gum trees. So, Colonel William Light, an important figure in South Australia's history, called the early settlement Prospect Village.

Later, in 1872, the City of Prospect council was officially created. This made the name "Prospect" official for the local government. Then, in 1944, the council decided to use the same name for the suburb itself, which was where the council's main office was located.

Post Office History

The very first Post Office in Prospect opened around 1861 but closed a few years later. However, a post office in a nearby area called Nailsworth (which opened in 1861) was renamed "Prospect" in 1874. It has been open ever since! This post office was located on First Avenue in Nailsworth. Two tall palm trees were planted in front of it so people could easily see it from far away.

Old Names for Prospect Areas

In the 1940s, the area we now call Prospect was actually divided into seven smaller places. Each had its own name! For example, west of Prospect Road, there were areas like Prospect Estate and Highbury. East of Prospect Road, you'd find places like Prospect Park and St Johns Wood.

Even older maps from the late 1800s show even more names for parts of Prospect:

• Little Adelaide was once south of the original Prospect Village.
• Prospect West and Prospect North were names for parts of the area around Rose Street.
• Further north, you'd find Prospect Hill Extension and Claraville.
• Near Regency Road, there were places called Reepham and Sleaford. The Reepham Hotel still keeps that name alive today!
• A part of Prospect near the Gawler railway line was once considered part of Islington. You can still see the Islington railway station there.
• In the far north-east, there were Enfield South and Dingley Dell.
• In the far north-west, a part of Tam O'Shanter East became Prospect Estate.

Audley House, a beautiful old house from the Victorian era, was built in 1885.

Green Spaces and Parks

Prospect is home to many lovely parks and green areas where you can relax and play.

• Prospect Oval is a sports stadium where local games are played.
• Soldier's Memorial Gardens is the biggest park in Prospect. It has open grassy areas, a playground, tennis courts, and even a stage for events. You can also find sandpits, water features, and a community garden here.
• St Helens Park has a playground, public barbecues, and beautiful rose gardens. It's a great spot for climbing trees!
• Barker Garden is known for its memorial to Australian soldiers, rose gardens, and pretty garden arches. It's a popular place for weddings and looks magical with lights during Christmas.
• Other smaller green spots include St Johns Wood Gardens, Percy Street Park, Dean Street Park, Bradford Park, and Wilson Street Park.

Learning in Prospect

Prospect has several schools, offering education from early years right up to high school.

• Rosary School is a private Roman Catholic primary school.
• Prospect Primary School and Prospect North Primary School are public primary schools.
• Blackfriars Priory School is a private Roman Catholic school for boys, from early learning to Year 12.
• Prescott College, South Australia is a co-educational (boys and girls) Seventh-day Adventist school for Years 7 to 12.

Famous People from Prospect

• Rachel Sanderson