Hurtle Square. "The Forest of Dreams", Adelaide

Hurtle Square, also known by its Kaurna name Tangkaira, is one of the five public squares situated in Adelaide. Named after James Hurtle Fisher, South Australia's first Resident Commissioner, the square carries significant historical and cultural importance. Fisher played a key role in establishing South Australia's early governance structures, including the organization of the local constitution and the collection of vital records.

The square is located in the southeastern quarter of the city, surrounding the intersection of Halifax and Pulteney Streets, with Carrington Street marking its northern edge. The area around Hurtle Square is predominantly residential, providing a tranquil yet central urban space.

Hurtle Square is also home to a unique art installation called "The Forest of Dreams," created by artist Anton Hart. This installation comprises word statues, with each side of the square featuring one of these statues, creating a reflective and immersive experience for visitors. The work adds a layer of contemporary artistic significance to the square, complementing its historical roots.

Hurtle Square, designed by Colonel William Light as part of his 1837 plan for Adelaide, was renamed "Tangkaira" in 2003 to honor the Kaurna people, the area's original inhabitants. The name, meaning "fungus," was chosen to recognize Tangkaira (Charlotte), a prominent Kaurna woman who played a key role in preserving the Kaurna language and was the wife of King Rodney, a significant figure in early negotiations with colonists.

The dual naming of the square reflects Adelaide's ongoing efforts to acknowledge and incorporate Indigenous history and culture into the city's landscape. Hurtle Square/Tangkaira thus serves as a meaningful site that bridges Adelaide's colonial past with its commitment to recognizing and celebrating its Indigenous heritage.