A homage to Alexander Stewart, Stewart Place park is what remains of the 19th Century Scottish businessman's expansive estate. A small, triangular block is all that remains of the Glenlyon House estate in which Stewart farmed and bred horses and Hereford cattle. (My research seems to cite this as his biggest claim to fame - being a rich man who liked his farming.)
The park is more of a memorial than a place to hang out at. Ashgrove was initially a region with a high Scottish population, though today it is one of the least multicultural suburbs in Brisbane. There seems to be a sort of war memorial here, too. I've never read the plaques or paid much attention to the old cannon in Stewart Place when I've walked or driven by, I'm afraid. Usually, if I'm noticing anything, it's a homeless guy sleeping on the grass.
Today, Stewart Place is a rat racer's dream and a nightmare to the rest of us drivers with manners. People use it to avoid the lights at the Waterworks Rd-Stewart Rd intersection and sneak onto Stewart Rd. Meanwhile, the rest of us poor law-abiding shmucks are stuck at the lights or copping the constant onslaught from any side street off Stewart Rd, since there's no adherence to the traffic lights to create a break in the Stewart Rd traffic.
Come on, Brisbane City Council. Stop the road rage. Get rid of Stewart Place (the street, not the park.) read more