Redevelopment comes with perfect score

Published on 25 October 2024

The multimillion-dollar upgrade of Knox Park in Morphett Vale has reached the finish line – and it’s a real winner.

Work on the $2.7 million multi-use sports park was completed in June 2024, creating a central hub for athletics, play and recreation in Onkaparinga.

The park features an irrigated turf oval with a 400m athletics track, a two-way long jump pit, and athletics throw facilities accommodating discus, shotput and javelin.

Additional works include a new playground, shelter and barbecue facilities, a large storage shed, public toilet, fencing, drinking fountain, landscaping, and an improved carpark.

The project – funded by the City of Onkaparinga ($1.6 million) and a $1.1 million state government grant – was developed in consultation with the Southern Athletic Club, Athletics SA and the community.

The 180-member Southern Athletic Club now calls Knox Park home, using it for junior and senior athlete training, development programs, and potentially competitions across most track and field events.

Club president and recreational running coach, Jason Stevens, said the club’s members have an extra spring in their step since moving from a local school to the new space.

“Our community has been eagerly watching the work unfold and everyone has been excited to get on the grass and start training,” Jason said.

“Previously there have been no athletics training facilities south of Mile End. This has meant every athlete in southern Adelaide needed to travel to the city to train, making retention of athletes difficult for the club.

“I’m proud of how the club worked with the council and the community to create a fantastic high-quality space from which many people will benefit.”

Jason said the club has already seen membership grow, with numbers doubling since the project was approved in 2020.

“Knox Park is the first real home for the Southern Athletic Club; it gives us a place to build community, host events, better develop our athletes, and get people of all ages involved in athletics,” he added.

“Providing a fun, safe training environment is incredibly important, and we’re looking forward to helping those—like Paralympics middle distance runner Angus Hincksman—realise their potential.”

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said Knox Park is a game-changer for the community, particularly the local athletics and sports communities.

“Knox Park is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the community, encouraging more people to get outdoors, be active and connect with others,” Mayor Were said.

“This purpose-built athletics facility not only provides members with the tools they need to excel but also helps attract and retain participants, while the wider community benefits from enhanced open space and recreational opportunities.”

A small celebration to officially open the park was held by the club on Sunday 6 October.

Knox Park is now the home of Southern Little Athletics on Sunday mornings at 9am, from Tiny Tots (under three), to under 17. Participants can use a $100 Sports Voucher towards the fees. Head to the Little Athletics website for more information and to register.

For more information on the Southern Athletic Club visit their website or email info@southernac.org.au

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