Built to commemorate the hard work and dedication of the early district pioneers, the garden has been established as a tranquil and reflective place for the enjoyment of the Kangarilla community.
The pioneer-style garden was partly funded by City of Onkaparinga through their Public Place Improvement Grant Program. Kangarilla Uniting Church received $4135 to assist in bridge construction, landscaping and rubble rocks to establish a river bed.
The initial concept for the pioneer garden was provided by local residents and and once council grant funding was available, a garden concept design was developed.
Council staff assisted with donation of some materials and local businesses lent their support to the project.
The garden provided a welcome and very appropriate venue for a Kangarilla Public School Remembrance Day Service in November 2020. The occasion was used for the unveiling of a soldier sculpture which now forms the focal point of the memorial site.
Barbara Schottelius, an executive member of the Kangarilla Uniting Church Council expressed her gratitude to council staff.
“The Kangarilla Church community were delighted to hear they were successful in receiving the City of Onkaparinga grant,” she said.
“The community have worked hard in the planning and development of the garden and having the funding and support of council has been pivotal to the commencement of the project.
“With the ongoing assistance of the community, we’re looking forward to its completion.”
Kangarilla residents have been invited to become ‘Friends of the Garden’ and donate both plants and materials to continue extending the current plantings as well as their time for the ongoing care of the garden.
City of Onkaparinga offers a wide range of funding opportunities through its Grants and Sponsorship Program. The program is currently undergoing a review, with most grants opening for application in July 2021.
For enquiries regarding the pioneer garden please contact Barbara Schottelius on 8383 7091.